Revenge Is Sweet: How the Seahawks Paid Back the Patriots Eleven Years Later

Revenge Is Sweet: How the Seahawks Paid Back the Patriots Eleven Years Later

It was the big reunion – and this time, things went differently. Last night in Santa Clara, California, the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots faced each other in a Super Bowl for the second time. Those who remember 2015 know: back then, the Patriots won dramatically 28-24, after cornerback Malcolm Butler intercepted the ball at the goal line – one of the most legendary moments in NFL history. But eleven years later, the revenge was perfect: the Seahawks won 29-13 and claimed their second championship.

A Defensive Battle of a Special Kind

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and this game was definitely not an offensive fireworks display. Instead, the Seahawks defense dominated from the first minute to the last. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had a night to forget: six sacks, two interceptions, and barely any room to breathe. The Patriots didn't score their first touchdown until the fourth quarter – by that time, the score was already 19-0 for Seattle.

Particularly bitter for the Patriots: they became the first team since the Minnesota Vikings in 1973 to be held completely scoreless through the first three quarters. In total, both teams combined for a whopping 15 punts – a clear sign of how much the defenses dominated the game.

Kenneth Walker III Makes History

The Seahawks running back, Kenneth Walker III, was named the game's MVP – and completely deserved it. With 135 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards, he was one of the few bright spots on offense. Particularly remarkable: he's the first running back in 28 years to receive this honor. The last was Terrell Davis in 1998, when the Denver Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers.

Sam Darnold's Incredible Journey

For Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, this victory crowns an impressive comeback story. Just a few years ago, he was considered a failed draft talent who wandered from team to team. During the regular season, he threw 14 interceptions – the third most in the league. But in the playoffs? Not a single one. After the game, he quoted basketball legend Kevin Garnett: "As long as you believe in yourself, anything is possible."

The Halftime Show: Bad Bunny Brings Latino Culture to the Biggest Stage

When talking about yesterday's Super Bowl, you can't leave out the spectacular halftime show. Bad Bunny – the world's most-streamed artist – was the first solo Latino artist to headline a Super Bowl Halftime Show, and he performed almost exclusively in Spanish. It was historic and sparked controversy beforehand.

But Bad Bunny delivered. He was joined by high-profile surprise guests: Lady Gaga sang a Latino version of "Die With a Smile," Ricky Martin belted out "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii," and there were cameo appearances from Cardi B, Karol G, Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, and even baseball star Ronald Acuña Jr. The show was loud, colorful, culturally significant – and exactly the party Bad Bunny had promised. A special highlight: an actual couple got married on stage during the performance!

Stars Before the Game

Before kickoff, there was plenty of entertainment too: Charlie Puth sang the national anthem on keyboard with a gospel band backing him, Brandi Carlile performed "America the Beautiful," and Coco Jones sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing." California punk rock band Green Day opened the spectacle with a commemorative ceremony for 60 years of Super Bowl – fitting, since Levi's Stadium is in their home region, the Bay Area. Nine former Super Bowl MVPs were honored, including legends like Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Jerry Rice.

Two Underdogs on the Big Stage

What made this Super Bowl edition special: both teams weren't considered serious title contenders before the season. According to betting odds, both the Seahawks and Patriots had chances of 60:1 or worse. It was the first time since 1989 that two such outsiders made it to the finals. Seattle finished the regular season with an impressive 14-3 record as the best NFC team and defeated the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams on their way to the title.

Coaching Duels and New Eras

On the sidelines, two coaches faced each other, both having big shoes to fill. Mike Macdonald took over the Seahawks in 2024, succeeding legend Pete Carroll. Mike Vrabel replaced Bill Belichick with the Patriots – both legendary coaches left their teams on the same day in 2024. Macdonald proved yesterday that he had more than mastered the challenge.

An Evening of Records and Curiosities

Besides the sporting action, there were some notable sideline stories: Seahawks kicker Jason Myers made five field goals in the Super Bowl – an NFL record. Cooper Kupp, former Super Bowl MVP, led the Seahawks with 61 receiving yards – a nice confirmation after his move to Seattle. And the most dramatic scene came late in the fourth quarter: linebacker Uchenna Nwosu picked off an interception and ran 45 yards for a touchdown – the final nail in the coffin for the Patriots.

In the end, it's clear: the Seattle Seahawks are champions again. And while the Patriots went home empty-handed, Seattle celebrated their second title – just like the first time, primarily thanks to a defense that was simply unstoppable.

Super Bowl LX took place on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.