New York — The NFL announced today that renowned New Orleans artist Tahj 'Queen Tahj' Williams will be the first ever to handcraft both the Super Bowl logo and theme art for Super Bowl LIX. Following her debut as the first artist to create a Super Bowl logo, the NFL has unveiled Queen Tahj’s Super Bowl LIX theme art.
For both pieces, Queen Tahj brings the spirit of New Orleans to life through her intricate, handsewn beadwork, which reflects her Black Masking culture and combines her tribe's heritage with the vibrant energy of Super Bowl in the Crescent City. The NFL captured her journey and artistry in a hero video that spotlights the beadwork that defines her artistry (watch it here).
For the recently released Super Bowl theme art, Queen Tahj’s inspiration came from her passion for preserving the Black Masking tradition while bringing fresh creativity to its craft. Her designs feature bold pinks, deep reds, chartreuses and lush greens, blending traditional elements with modern creativity in her intricate, hand-sewn beadwork. These colors symbolize the vibrancy of New Orleans and honor the Black Masking tradition, rooted in the deep cultural connections between African and Native American heritage. It originated as a celebration on the backstreets when African Americans were initially excluded from mainstream Mardi Gras festivities.
“This partnership is a dream come true and an opportunity to share the beauty of Black Masking culture with the world,” said Queen Tahj. “Being the only girl and captain of my middle school football team, football has played a tremendous role in my life by teaching me to me to focus on my dreams without worrying about what society thinks is for girls or boys. It’s the same spirit of determination that shapes my work today. Just as the NFL connects communities around the world through football, I hope my work brings people together to celebrate the history of New Orleans and inspires future generations to keep our traditions alive.”
Queen Tahj, a member of the Golden Eagles Tribe, is a master in the intricate art of Black Masking suit design—a tradition deeply rooted in the Indigenous and African heritage of New Orleans. These suits, often created over a year of meticulous hand-sewing and beadwork, are a central part of Mardi Gras, St. Joseph’s Night, and Super Sunday celebrations.
Queen Tahj’s Super Bowl theme art will be prominently featured on digital game tickets, the official program cover, and on a grand display on the exterior of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, bringing the city to life throughout the week’s celebrations.
“We knew from the start that we wanted this year’s theme art to capture the essence of New Orleans,” said Marissa Solis, NFL senior vice president of global brand and consumer marketing. “Queen Tahj’s deep connection to her community and extraordinary talent made her the perfect artist for this project. Her work authentically honors the cultural roots of New Orleans while celebrating the city’s vibrant spirit, and we’re excited to spotlight it on the Super Bowl stage and honor the communities that make New Orleans so special.”
The NFL’s partnership with Queen Tahj highlights the league’s commitment to celebrating local culture and ensuring that Super Bowl LIX allows the New Orleans community to see itself reflected on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Super Bowl LIX will take place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9, 2025. Fans can look forward to seeing Queen Tahj’s unique artwork as part of this historic celebration.