Super Bowl fans were left stunned when Kendrick Lamar brought out a surprise guest during his highly anticipated halftime show.
Taking center stage at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday (February 9), the Super Bowl LIX headliner electrified the crowd during the break in the intense showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
With the momentum of winning five Grammy Awards just last week, anticipation was through the roof. Fans eagerly speculated on his setlist—especially whether he would perform his explosive diss track, Not Like Us, aimed at rival rapper Drake.
And he did. Saving the fiery track for his grand finale, Kendrick sent the stadium into a frenzy.
But before that moment, he kicked off the show with a jaw-dropping surprise, bringing a special guest onto the stage.
None other than the legendary Samuel L. Jackson took the stage, fully embracing the role of Uncle Sam.
The iconic actor introduced the LA musician, setting the scene for an electrifying performance of his best hits.
“Salutations, it’s your uncle… Sam,” Jackson announced, delivering the line with his signature flair.
“And this is the great American game.”
A living embodiment of the nation’s symbolic figure, Jackson even acknowledged the persona with a knowing smirk.
Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam opening Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime performance 🏈 pic.twitter.com/dEZQbChlsM
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) February 10, 2025
“Bruh got Samuel L. Jackson as ‘Uncle Sam’ at the Super Bowl LMFAO, 10/10,” one viewer joked on X (formerly Twitter).
Another fan was just as impressed: “That was legendary from Samuel L Jackson,” they wrote.
A third chimed in, saying: “Uncle Samuel L Jackson was simply epic.”
Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar had the crowd of 75,000 in Louisiana roaring as he performed “Not Like Us.”
However, the Compton rapper made a notable decision—he deliberately skipped one particularly harsh lyric that directly accused Drake of serious wrongdoing.
Still, eagle-eyed fans believe he made a subtle gesture to the camera right at the exact moment that line was supposed to hit. And they absolutely loved it.
As for the game itself, the Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts were in complete control from start to finish. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs had no answers, with Mahomes turning in one of the worst performances of his otherwise stellar career.
Final score? Eagles 40, Chiefs 22. Philly fans, it’s time to celebrate.
