The Seattle Seahawks have finally exorcised their demons. More than ten years after one of the most heartbreaking defeats in Super Bowl history, Seattle delivered a commanding performance on Sunday night, dismantling the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX at Santa Clara's Levi's Stadium. The victory not only secured the franchise's second championship but also prevented the Patriots from claiming what would have been a record-breaking seventh Lombardi Trophy.
From the opening kickoff, this defensive chess match belonged to Seattle. The Seahawks' defense suffocated New England's offense, holding them scoreless through the first three quarters while building an insurmountable lead. The Patriots' young quarterback Drake Maye faced relentless pressure throughout the night, absorbing six sacks and committing critical turnovers that Seattle converted into points.
Kenneth Walker III emerged as the game's most valuable player, rumbling for 135 yards on the ground and becoming the first running back to earn Super Bowl MVP honors since Terrell Davis accomplished the feat for the Denver Broncos in 1998. Walker's powerful, decisive running provided the offensive backbone Seattle needed in a game where touchdowns were at a premium.
"It's really a blessing," Walker reflected after the game. "A lot of people play their whole career—12 years, 13 years—and never make it to a Super Bowl. So, you know, it's a testament to the team and the brotherhood that we've built here."
While Walker controlled the ground game, quarterback Sam Darnold orchestrated an efficient aerial attack, throwing for 202 yards and one touchdown without a single interception. Darnold's performance capped one of the most remarkable career resurrections in recent NFL memory. Once labeled a draft bust after struggling with turnovers earlier in his career—he threw 14 interceptions during the regular season, ranking among the league's worst—Darnold played flawless football throughout the postseason.
"It's unbelievable, you know, just everything that's happened in my career," Darnold said, clutching the Lombardi Trophy. "But to do it with this team, I wouldn't want it any other way. Our defense, I can't say enough great things about our defense, our special teams."
The special teams unit indeed played a pivotal role, with kicker Jason Myers converting five field goals, establishing a new Super Bowl record. Myers' consistency allowed Seattle to build a comfortable cushion even when drives stalled in the red zone.
The Seahawks' defensive front dominated the line of scrimmage, making life miserable for Maye. The second-year signal-caller finished with 295 passing yards and two touchdowns, but those numbers proved hollow as they came after the outcome had already been decided. Maye's two interceptions—including a costly pick-six—proved devastating for New England's comeback hopes.
Perhaps no play better encapsulated Seattle's defensive tenacity than their fourth-quarter touchdown sequence. After Maye fumbled early in the final period, Seattle capitalized with a 16-yard touchdown strike to tight end AJ Barner. Then, with under five minutes remaining, cornerback Devon Witherspoon blitzed from the edge, stripping Maye as he prepared to throw. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu snatched the ball from midair and raced 45 yards for the defensive score, sealing the victory in spectacular fashion.
The triumph carried special significance for veteran receiver Cooper Kupp, who led Seattle with six receptions for 61 yards. The Los Angeles Rams had released Kupp last offseason, believing his best days were behind him. Instead, the veteran proved instrumental in Seattle's championship run, finding vindication against his former division rivals.
"We went through a lot of adversity this season, but we came together and we stuck together," Walker emphasized, capturing the resilient spirit that defined Seattle's journey.
The game lacked the dramatic tension of typical Super Bowls, with the Patriots never genuinely threatening to close the gap. The only real mystery seemed to be which surprise guests reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny would feature during his highly-acclaimed halftime performance.
For Seattle, the victory represents sweet revenge for the Malcolm Butler interception that sealed their heartbreaking loss to these same Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX over a decade ago. That singular play had haunted the franchise and its fanbase, becoming a cultural touchstone for sports disappointment. Sunday night's dominant performance finally put those ghosts to rest.
The Seahawks' championship formula—relentless defense, powerful running game, and clutch special teams—proved timeless. While modern football increasingly emphasizes high-powered passing attacks, Seattle demonstrated that controlling the line of scrimmage and winning the turnover battle remains the surest path to victory on football's biggest stage.
As the confetti fell in Santa Clara, the Seahawks celebrated not just a championship, but validation. Validation for a team that had come close before. Validation for players like Darnold and Kupp who had been written off elsewhere. And validation for a franchise that had waited more than a decade to reclaim its place atop the football world.