Super Bowl rocked by 'disgusting' pre-game act as NFL fans left raging

Philadelphia Eagles fans have been called out over a "disrespectful" act before Super Bowl LVII got underway at Arizona's State Farm Stadium. The Eagles are trying to stop Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes from adding to their legacy by winning another ring on the NFL's biggest stage.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts got Philadelphia off to a superb start after scrambling over for the game's first touchdown. The Chiefs hit back through the lethal duo of Mahomes and Travis Kelce, with the Kansas City quarterback finding his tight end for a superb 18-yard touchdown.

WHAT: AFL great's shock Super Bowl appearance stuns Aussie fans

SUPER BOWL LVII: Everything you need to know about NFL decider

AUSSIE CONNECTION: Siposs and Mailata eye Super Bowl glory

Hurts put the Eagles back in front after finding his star wide receiver A.J. Brown for an incredible 45-yard score. However, the Chiefs once again got things back on level terms after Hurts was caught in possession and linebacker Nick Bolton scooped up the fumble on the 45 yard line to race away for a defensive touchdown.

Hurts once again put his stamp on proceedings before halftime after catching the Chiefs' defence napping for his side's third touchdown of the game. Chants of "MVP" rang out from the stands as the Philly star became the first quarterback with multiple rushing touchdowns in a Super Bowl since 1986 to put the Eagles up 21-14. Jake Elliott then added a field goal right on halftime to give Philly a 10-point lead.

However, controversy erupted before kick-off when Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was honoured after winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The prestigious honour is bestowed upon the NFL player who is a standout on the field - but more importantly for their contribution off the field.

Prescott - as well as being one of the game's best quarterbacks - was also recognised for the charitable work he does. The Dak Prescott Foundation focuses on colon cancer research, mental health and suicide prevention, bridging the gap between law enforcement, youth and the communities they serve, and offering assistance to those facing life-challenging hardships.

Prescott started his foundation after his mother lost her battle with colon cancer in 2013. The organisation also honours his brother, Jace, who was lost to suicide in 2020.

“My mother was, and still is, my moral compass,” Prescott said last week. “Through my own charitable contributions, I seek to share her strength and courage with the world.”

Despite the nature of the award and the enormous amount of good that Prescott is doing off the field, it didn't stop rival fans from booing him before kick-off for Super Bowl LVII. As soon as the name of the Cowboys star was announced at State Farm Stadium, a chorus of jeers rang out from the stands, leaving viewers disgusted on social media.

Dak Prescott continues legacy for his late mother

When Prescott accepted his award during the lead-up to the Super Bowl, he spoke of it being one of the most important achievements in his career. In a moving speech, the Dallas superstar paid tribute to his late mother Peggy and the significance of the legacy she had left him before she died.

“That’s easy, it’s number one,” Prescott told reporters about where the award ranked in his career. “When your mom gets diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, she’s given months to live, she’s giving you that news, and she tells you, ‘Hey, all greats have a story. Allow me to be your story.’

“That’s what this award means to me.” As a Dallas Cowboy, I am honoured to join the prior recipients of this award and such prestigious award which is Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman and Jason Witten. These are men who I look up to and I have learned so much from. Being recognised along side of them, I will never take for granted; and it’s something I take pride in forever.”

“I am so grateful of the Dallas Cowboys organisation, the entire Jones family. To my fellow teammates who work so hard along side of me, thank you for the support of my foundation and for all of the charitable work that you do. You make me better on and off the field.”

Each NFL team annually nominates one player for the award, with each of the 32 nominees receiving donations of up to $40,000 in their name, to their charity of their choice. Prescott will receive a $250,000 donation to his foundation. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.

with Yahoo Sports US

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.