After 5+ months of action-filled football, the NFL season has officially ended with a dominant performance from the Seattle Seahawks, cementing themselves as 2026 NFL Super Bowl Champions. The night also consisted of entertaining performances from Green Day, Charlie Puth and Bad Bunny in his historic half-time performance.
Heading into the big game, multiple storylines rested on the title of the game. The most significant headline was the rematch of Super Bowl 49, where defensive back Malcolm Butler intercepted quarterback Russell Wilson on the goal line, ending the game and crowning Tom Brady and the New England Patriots Super Bowl champions. 11 years later, these teams faced off once again on the big stage. This time around, the New England Patriots are not led by Tom Brady, but Drake Maye, the 2nd year quarterback out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who is coming off a phenomenal MVP runner-up campaign. As for Seattle, journeyman Sam Darnold is at the helm, making history by being the first quarterback in NFL history to win a Super Bowl after playing for 5 or more teams.
The night opened up with the rock band Green Day putting on a show, singing some of their biggest hits, including “Holiday”, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “American Idiot”. Shortly after, American pop singer Charlie Puth sang a patriotic national anthem before the jets flew over, and it was time for kickoff. The game started quietly, with Seattle scoring a field goal on their opening drive before stuffing Drake Maye and the Pats on offense. Into the second quarter, both offenses failed to shine. The Seattle Defense, which ranked at the top of the league, continued to pressure Maye, forcing New England into 5 first-half punts. As for the other side of the football, the Seahawks had no issue marching into opposing field position; however, they could not convert, settling for two field goals and making the score 9-0 into Halftime.
Into the half-time show, 6-time Grammy award winner Bad Bunny took the stage, centered around the theme “Together We Are America”, emphasizing Latin American pride. Bad Bunny sang multiple of his signature hits, including “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Yo Perreo Sola”. Additionally, Bad Bunny brought out music icon Lady Gaga to sing her hit duet with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile,” as well as Ricky Martin, who performed “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii”.
Heading into the second half, the theme of defense remained consistent. The Patriots struggled to get the offense moving with their lackluster run game and disrupted air attack. The 3rd quarter ended with Seattle kicking yet another field goal, putting the score at 12-0. Early in the 4th quarter, the Seahawks rallied as the game’s first touchdown was finally scored, with a Sam Darnold 19-yard touchdown pass to Tight End AJ Barner. Shortly after, the Patriots answered, finally making their way into Seattle’s field position, ending the drive with a Drake Maye 35-yard touchdown pass to Wide Receiver Mack Hollins. With another commanding drive, led by running back Kenneth Walker, the Seahawks scored yet another field goal, putting the score at 22-7. On the following drive, Drake Maye was crushed in the pocket, resulting in a pick-six from linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and giving the Seahawks a dominant 29-7 lead. Lastly, in an effort that seemed just too late, the Pats once again rallied, getting on the board with a Drake Maye 7-yard touchdown pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson, putting the score in favor of Seattle at 29-13.
The clock ticked down as the Seattle Seahawks were crowned Super Bowl LX Champions, awarding running back Kenneth Walker III with Super Bowl MVP after his stellar night on the ground, recording 135 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards. Maye struggled, but was able to rally together in the fourth quarter, putting up 295 yards and 2 touchdowns, to 3 turnovers. As for Sam Darnold, he protected the football, having 202 yards and a touchdown to go along with it. Cooper Kupp and Mack Hollins were the team’s respective receiving leaders. The story of the night had to be the dominant Seattle defense, nicknamed the “Dark Side”, which overwhelmed New England for all 60 minutes. Seattle recorded 6 sacks and forced 3 turnovers, including a defensive touchdown. One highlight for New England came from cornerback Christian Gonzales, who shone in coverage against Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba and kick-return specialist Rashid Shaheed.
After an action-packed 2026 campaign, the NFL at last has a champion: The Seattle Seahawks. With the offseason on the horizon, including the NFL combine, free agency and the draft, NFL fans should have plenty to look forward to.
