In a high-stakes Super Bowl tussle between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, a controversial penalty early in the game showed a furious Philadelphia head coach, Nick Sirianni, sharing words with NFL officials on the sideline.
The incident was pivotal in the biggest sports game and continued to fuel debates surrounding referees favoring the Chiefs throughout the season.
Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni Chews Out Super Bowl 59 Referee
On the Eagles’ opening drive, facing a crucial fourth-and-2 near midfield, quarterback Jalen Hurts connected with wide receiver A.J. Brown for what appeared to be a significant first down. But the play was nullified by an offensive pass interference penalty against Brown.
Both Brown and Chiefs defensive back Trent McDuffie were engaged in mutual hand-fighting during the route, but only Brown was penalized. This 15-yard setback forced the Eagles to punt, stalling their initial momentum.
Sirianni, known for his passionate coaching style, was visibly furious with NFL referee Ron Torbert after the call. From the sideline, Sirianni was seen saying (among other choice words), “That’s terrible.”
Eagles HC Nick Sirianni to referee Ron Tolbert after the OPI call on AJ Brown:
"That's terrible." pic.twitter.com/F8Mb8ZVPbY
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) February 9, 2025
Tom Brady Shares Take on Controversial A.J. Brown Penalty
The Eagles went for it in a big way on 4th-and-2 as Hurts aired it out to Brown for what would’ve been a 32-yard gain. But officials flagged Brown for offensive pass interference as he pushed away McDuffie.
“Let the players play,” future NFL Hall of Famer Tom Brady said after the flag was thrown on Brown. Brady is in the booth with Kevin Burkhardt, calling his the first Super Bowl of his young broadcasting career.
It wouldn’t be a Chiefs playoff game without a little officiating controversy — a topic that has followed the team throughout the season, especially the playoffs.
OFFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE ON AJ BROWN??
THE NFL REFS ARE AWFUL. WTF….pic.twitter.com/o1Desp7oM7
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 9, 2025
Brown’s offensive pass interference on the opening drive was the sixth time a team has been called for offensive pass interference vs. Kansas City.
Only the Seahawks and Lions (7 each) have gotten more offensive PI calls. The Chiefs are the only team not called for offensive PI this season.
A.J. Brown's offensive pass interference on the opening drive was the 6th time a team has been called for offensive PI vs. the Chiefs.
Only the Seahawks and Lions (7 each) have gotten more offensive PI calls.
In addition, the Chiefs are the only team that has not been called…
— PFSN (@PFN365) February 9, 2025
Mahomes and Hurts have both thrown interceptions, but the Eagles have blanked the Chiefs through the first two quarters of Super Bowl 59. The Eagles’ defense, PFSN’s overall No. 2 defense per our Defense+ metric, has held the Chiefs to under 25 yards of total offense at the half.