Though New England vs. Seattle gives off 2015 flashbacks, this year’s Super Bowl feels like the start of a new era. Patrick Mahomes isn’t playing but Drake Maye will be on the field. Bad Bunny, a true one of one, is the Super Bowl Halftime Show performer. And a record number of legal bets will be wagered on the game.
One of the great things about the Super Bowl though, especially this year, is the inclusivity it can provide around a single sporting event. In that sense, an app like TikTok is perfect for the lead up to the big game.
Whether you’re a Pats or Hawks diehard or a casual fan more interested in the food and halftime show, there’s a TikTok page to help you lock in. Every kind of creator is crafting content directly aligned with the biggest sporting and cultural event of the year. These are the 10 Best Sports TikTok Pages to Follow Before the Super Bowl.
Nightcap: @nightcapshow_
Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco bring impeccable credentials to their podcast—a combined 25 seasons of NFL experience, 14 Pro Bowl selections, and Sharpe’s three Super Bowl rings—but it’s their chemistry that makes the show crackle.
Their TikTok, of course, features the best highlights from Nightcap, where they balance cogent analysis with hilarious ramblings about everything, both NFL- and regular-life-related. For a recent taste of what to expect, right after the Bills-Broncos divisional round matchup, a clip was posted of Sharpe breaking down the “Calvin Johnson rule” to a cigar-smoking Ochocinco and his listening audience. After a thorough breakdown of what transpired during a controversial play call, Sharpe retorted, “To make a long story short, and I made a short story long…he goes to the ground, he needs to get his ass up and hand the ball to the official.” Ochocinco cackled in response.
Ben Houselog: @benlikessports
For pure comedy, tap in with Ben Houselog and his NFL-themed skits where he plays multiple characters in hypothetical circumstances. One of his recent bits is a re-enactment of a discussion amongst “NFL scriptwriters” prior to the Divisional Round. Did someone get in Sean Payton’s ear to go for it on 4th down in the AFC Championship Game? Houselog is on the case and on the script we’re sure!
NFeLementary: @maryisbananas
If you’re mostly here for wholesome NFL content rather than intense statistical analysis, schoolteacher Mary Crippen’s page is for you. She’s been documenting her journey as she teaches the NFL to her third graders. Listening to her students become increasingly hyped as the season progresses is as heartwarming as it gets. Crippen also shoots selfie videos to teach laypeople the game. So if you’re a beginner hoping to learn more, she’s worth a follow.
Theo Ash: @theoashnfl
One of the most elite, independent, sports creators on the internet is Theo Ash. His NFL videos feature carefully calculated arguments that often surpass the cliche ridden hot takes found on the major networks. Since none of them have scooped him up yet, you can still access all his core content in the clock app. If you want to review the lead-up playoff game action, anticipate Super Bowl team strategy, or even get nostalgic about great NFL performances, follow this guy immediately.
Chase Daniel: @chase.daniel
A former NFL QB-turned-ESPN analyst, Daniel presents his most thorough breakdowns on his personal TikTok, which mostly features clips from his YouTube channel. His page is catered to fans who specifically want to learn from last week’s games and apply that knowledge to the weeks ahead. Daniel’s superpower as an analyst is, interestingly enough, pinpointing the hidden superpowers of other NFL quarterbacks. A recent post outlined how MVP candidate Drake Maye lights up QB draws in the red zone because defenses have to cover for his ability to throw accurately in tight coverage. The Seattle coaching staff would be wise to pay attention to Daniel. He sees it all.
The Right Time w/ Bomani Jones: @righttimebomani
This sports journalism veteran has arguably the most thorough sports podcast. The best clips are sent to TikTok, including takes and breakdowns from Jones but also a parade of regular guests such as Nick Wright, Mina Kimes, Dominique Foxworth, and Danny Parkins. Expect them to show up over the next week. Jones can pull the best of the best from the major networks for his own independent platform with ease because of how much he’s respected.
Donny Enriquez: @chefdonny
If you want gameday grub content, this page is essential. Donny Enriquez, the in-house chef for Barstool Sports, features multiple video series to help you prepare for your potlucks, such as Slider Sundays, What’s For Lunch, and Tasty Tailgate. Enriquez makes a seemingly endless variety of recipes feel approachable and crowd-pleasing and also regularly features athlete and celebrity guests.
DudesOnDudes: @dudesondudes
Since the Patriots are back on top, it makes sense to tap in with two ex-players from the Brady-era with a prominent podcast. Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski’s TikTok page for their pod is filled with clips mostly centered around lighthearted NFL discussions. Of course, they know ball. But more importantly, they know each other's idiosyncrasies and the New England Patriots organization. If you crave Pats-centered convos, this is the page to frequent before this new squad tries to relive the glory days.
Rshermanpod: @rshermanpod
The current Seattle Seahawks team has multiple weapons on offense—Jaxon Smith Njigba led the league in receiving and their run game sets up Sam Darnold’s play action passes. But their defense—an aggressive, fast, twitchy unit—is the main reason for their success. As the NFC champs prepare for the Super Bowl, there’s no better commentator to analyze that defense than Richard Sherman, the All-Pro cornerback from the Seahawks’ 2013 Super Bowl team. Sherman posts a variety of NFL takes, yet, leading up to the Super Bowl, expect him to focus on the best defense Seattle has fielded since Sherman’s Legion of Boom.
Allie Anthony: @allieanthonyy
Has there ever been anyone better at presenting arguments to make people who don’t care about football care about football than Allie Anthony? She’s the queen of accessibility. One of her most recent videos made a strong case for non-partisans to just become Rams fans, i.e., if your vibe is adjacent to a small-town girl who moved to LA. Also, don’t sleep on her predictions. Before the Championship Sunday, she said that Drake Maye would hurt Denver’s defense by extending plays with his legs. She got that right—in addition to the results of both games.