Watch: Nick Bolton returns Jalen Hurts fumble for TD in second quarter
Patrick Mahomes doesn't need much help, but his defense gave him some anyway.
Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton scored a 36-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery in the second quarter of Super Bowl LVII against the Eagles. The score tied the game at 14.
Philadelphia faced a third-and-6 when Hurts fumbled the ball. Bolton scooped up the football and went untouched for the touchdown.
Per Fox's Tom Rinaldi, Hurts spoke with his offensive line on the sideline following the fumble and took ownership of the miscue. As bad of a play as that was for Hurts, he wasn't the only one at fault.
Philadelphia initially lined up for a QB sneak on a third-and-1 but guard Isaac Seumalo was flagged for a false start that pushed the team back five yards. Hurts fumbled on the next snap.
Despite the fumble, Hurts played at an MVP level in the first half. Following the Chiefs defensive score, Hurts led the Eagles on a 12-play scoring drive that was extended when he ran 28 yards on a fourth-and-5.
Hurts was 17-of-22 for 183 yards, a touchdown, and had 11 carries for 63 yards and two touchdowns as the first half ended. He's the first player with one touchdown pass and two rushing touchdowns in Super Bowl history.
Bolton's touchdown could very well be one of the defining plays of a Chiefs Super Bowl win. But even if it is, Hurts is making sure it won't be the play that defines his first Super Bowl appearance.
More must-reads: