Super Bowl LIX will go down in history for more than just what happened on the field. While the Kansas City Chiefs may have lost the big game after the Philadelphia Eagles crushed them, the real winner of the Super Bowl wasn’t on the field at all, it was New Orleans artist Queen Tahj Williams.

A historic first for the NFL, they commissioned Queen Tahj to handcraft the Super Bowl LIX logo, marking the first time an external artist has ever designed the branding for the event. She brought an authentic representation of the city’s culture to one of the biggest sports stages in the world.

Her artwork, which features elements inspired by traditional Black Masking Indian suits and headdresses, is a stunning tribute to the rich cultural legacy of New Orleans. It’s a shift from the standard, often minimalist Super Bowl logos of the past, making Super Bowl LIX’s visual identity stand out as one of the most culturally significant in recent history.

Who is Queen Tahj?

Queen Tahj, whose full name is Tahj Williams, is known as a beadwork artist. A New Orleans native, she has dedicated her craft to preserving and celebrating the traditions of Black Masking Indians, a culture that blends African and Indigenous heritage through intricate craftsmanship and performances.

Beyond her artistry, she is also a cybersecurity engineer, exceling in both tech and creative spaces, and her journey to working with the NFL started with a social media connection when the league approached her for the Super Bowl project.

A Win for Culture & Representation

For decades, the Super Bowl has been a showcase of American culture, but rarely has it highlighted the deep-rooted Black and Indigenous traditions of its host cities. Queen Tahj’s work not only uplifts New Orleans’ artistic heritage but also opens the door for more Black women to take center stage in major cultural moments. Her Super Bowl LIX design has been seen worldwide, featured on everything from game tickets to official programs and city-wide murals. Art, culture, and representation are just as important as what happens on the field.