President Biden and first lady Jill Biden opened Super Bowl LV on Sunday with a public service announcement thanking healthcare workers and encouraging people to get vaccinated amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"You and your families carried us through this year with courage, compassion, and kindness. We couldn't have made it without you," the first lady started, referring to front-line healthcare workers as heroes.
"Wear a mask, stay socially distanced, get tested, get vaccinated when it's your turn," the president added.
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The first couple then asked viewers to observe a moment of silence to honor people who have died after contracting COVID-19. As of Sunday, the coronavirus death toll stands at 463,305, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.
The PSA wasn't the Bidens' only appearance during the Super Bowl.
Jill Biden took part in the traditional Puppy Bowl. "Please keep wearing your masks, even when you're out walking your dog," she said during her pre-recorded remarks.
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The president also sat down with the game's broadcaster, which is CBS this season, for the customary pre-Super Bowl presidential interview. He told the network he would rather receive a throw from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes over Tom Brady, the longtime New England Patriots quarterback who now plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Obviously, Brady's a great quarterback. Mahomes seems like he's got a lot of potential. And so, I'd probably take a shot with the young guy I didn't expect as much from,” he said.
