Super Bowl 2026: Seahawks Soar to 29-13 Victory Over Patriots

In a championship game defined by defensive mastery, clutch kicking, and a quarterback’s redemptive arc, the Seattle Seahawks captured their second Lombardi Trophy by defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. The contest, played on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, saw journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold vanquish his “big game” narrative, while running back Kenneth Walker earned MVP honors and kicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record. This victory avenged Seattle’s 2015 Super Bowl loss to New England and marked a stunning fall from grace for the once-dominant Patriots franchise.

Introduction: A New Champion Emerges in Santa Clara

The stage was set for a historic Super Bowl at the 75,000-seat Levi’s Stadium, with over 120 million Americans projected to witness the NFL’s ultimate showdown. The matchup presented a classic narrative clash: the New England Patriots, a franchise seeking its record-tying seventh championship and first in the post-Tom Brady era under Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel, versus the Seattle Seahawks, led by a quarterback many had written off and a coach in his first year at the helm. What unfolded was not an offensive shootout but a tactical, gritty affair where field position, defense, and special teams reigned supreme, culminating in a decisive fourth-quarter surge that sealed Seattle’s fate as NFL champions.

Key Points: The Story of Super Bowl LX

The game’s outcome was decided by several critical factors that defined the Seahawks’ triumph:

• Sam Darnold’s Redemption: After a career marked by high draft status and inconsistent play across four franchises, Darnold delivered a poised, efficient performance, throwing for a touchdown and approximately 200 yards, silencing critics who questioned his ability to win a championship.
• Kenneth Walker’s MVP Performance: The Seahawks’ running back powered the offense with 135 rushing yards, providing the consistent, physical presence that controlled the clock and kept the Patriots’ offense off the field.
• Record-Setting Kicking: Jason Myers made five field goals, a new Super Bowl record, accounting for 15 of Seattle’s 29 points and embodying the game’s field-goal-heavy early stages.
• Dominant Seahawks Defense: The unit consistently harassed Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, recording six sacks and two interceptions, effectively ending New England’s offensive rhythm.
• Patriots’ Offensive Struggles: New England’s offensive line was overwhelmed, Maye was under constant duress, and the team managed only two touchdowns, both coming after the game was already out of reach.
• Cultural Moment: Bad Bunny’s halftime show, performed entirely in Spanish—a Super Bowl first—featured cameos from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin and became a major cultural talking point, though it drew political commentary from outside the stadium.

Background: Paths to the Championship

The Seattle Seahawks’ Journey

Entering the 2025 season, the Seahawks were a team in transition. The hiring of defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald signaled a shift in identity. The acquisition of quarterback Sam Darnold, a former first-round pick whose career had floundered with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, was seen as a low-risk, high-reward gamble. Darnold, however, experienced a career renaissance in Seattle, embracing a game-manager role within a balanced offense and a stellar defense. The Seahawks’ path to the Super Bowl was built on strong defensive play, a revitalized running game with Kenneth Walker, and the steady, mistake-free leadership of their quarterback.

The New England Patriots’ Rebirth

Under third-year head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots had engineered a remarkable turnaround. After missing the playoffs in 2024, they returned in 2025 with a dynamic new franchise quarterback, Drake Maye. The 23-year-old rookie sensation, drafted third overall, displayed poise and arm talent that evoked memories of a young Tom Brady, leading the league’s youngest team to the AFC Championship. The Patriots were seeking to quickly restore the dynasty’s glory and make Maye the youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl.

A History of Conflict

This Super Bowl carried the weight of history. The two franchises met in Super Bowl XLIX following the 2014 season, a game famously won by the Patriots on a goal-line interception. For the Seahawks, this was a chance for vengeance and to secure their second title, having previously won Super Bowl XLVIII. For New England, it was an opportunity to claim a seventh ring and prove their dynasty could continue without Brady.

Analysis: How the Seahawks Won

The game’s structure reveals a clear strategic victory for Seattle and a catastrophic failure for New England’s game plan.

First Half: Field Goal Warfare and Defensive Dominance

The opening 30 minutes were a stark contrast to the high-scoring expectations. The Patriots’ offensive line, a potential weakness all season, was overwhelmed by Seattle’s aggressive pass rush. Drake Maye was sacked three times in the first half and threw the game’s first interception. Offensively, both teams sputtered. The Seahawks, embracing a conservative approach, drove into Patriots territory three times but settled for Jason Myers’ field goals each time, building a 9-0 lead. The Patriots’ response was a three-and-out and a mere 57 total yards. The “Evil Empire” looked anything but, appearing stiff and out of sync against a faster, more physical Seahawks defense.

Third Quarter: Stalemate Continues

The pattern persisted after halftime. New England’s offense showed faint signs of life but could not sustain drives, repeatedly going three-and-out. Seattle continued its field goal strategy, with Myers adding two more to extend the lead to 15-0. By the end of the third quarter, the score was 19-0, and the Patriots had managed only 107 total yards and zero touchdowns. The game was a slog, a battle of field position and punts, where Seattle’s special teams and defense were winning decisively.

Fourth Quarter: The Floodgates Open (Briefly)

With the game seemingly slipping away, the Patriots’ offense finally erupted. After a topless streaker briefly interrupted play—evading security and becoming an infamous sidebar—New England struck with a stunning 35-yard touchdown pass from Maye to Mack Hollins, cutting the deficit to 19-7. The momentum, however, was short-lived. On the ensuing Patriots drive, Drake Maye was strip-sacked by Seattle’s defense, and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu returned the fumble for a touchdown, effectively ending the game at 26-7. A late Rhamondre Stevenson rushing touchdown for New England provided only cosmetic scoring, as Seattle’s Jason Myers added a final field goal to account for the 29-13 margin.

The Statistical Tally

• Turnovers: The Seahawks won the turnover battle 3-0 (2 INT, 1 Fumble Recovery for TD).
• Quarterback Pressure: Seattle’s defense recorded six sacks and countless hits on Maye.
• Rushing Attack: Kenneth Walker’s 135 yards on 28 carries controlled the clock (Seattle possessed the ball for over 36 minutes).
• Efficiency: Sam Darnold was efficient but not spectacular (18/28, ~200 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT). The Seahawks won by winning the “hidden yards” of field position, special teams, and turnovers.

Practical Advice: Lessons for Teams, Players, and Fans

Super Bowl LX offers enduring lessons applicable beyond professional football:

For NFL Front Offices and Coaches

The Seahawks’ victory underscores the value of defensive identity and offensive balance. Investing in a dominant defensive line that can generate pressure without blitzing, paired with a reliable running game, can compensate for a quarterback who is not a classic MVP candidate. For the Patriots, the loss highlights the critical importance of offensive line protection, especially for a young quarterback. No matter the talent at skill positions, a quarterback under constant duress cannot succeed at the highest level.

For Quarterbacks Facing Adversity

Sam Darnold’s journey is a case study in resilience and adaptation. After being labeled a draft bust, he found success not by trying to be a gunslinger, but by accepting a role that maximized his strengths—quick decisions, avoiding turnovers—within a supportive system. His Super Bowl performance, while not statistically gaudy, was flawless in terms of protecting the ball and making key throws when called upon. The lesson: success can be redefined, and a player’s value is often context-dependent.

For Fans and Analysts

This game is a reminder that Super Bowls are not always offensive exhibitions. Defensive matchups, special teams play (as evidenced by Myers’ five field goals), and the “fourth-quarter script” can define a championship. The narrative that a high-scoring game is inherently better is challenged by a tense, strategically sound victory like Seattle’s. Furthermore, the cultural significance of Bad Bunny’s halftime show—the first all-Spanish performance—highlights the NFL’s ongoing evolution and the growing influence of Latino culture in mainstream American sports entertainment.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl LX

Who was the MVP of Super Bowl 2026?

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker was named Super Bowl MVP. He rushed for 135 yards on 28 carries, providing the consistent offensive output that allowed the Seahawks to control the clock and the game’s tempo.

What record did Jason Myers set?

Jason Myers made five field goals in the game, setting a new record for the most field goals by a single player in a Super Bowl. His 15 points were a significant portion of Seattle’s scoring.

Why was Bad Bunny’s halftime show significant?

Bad Bunny’s performance was historic as it was the first Super Bowl halftime show performed entirely in Spanish. The global superstar’s set, featuring hits like “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Dákiti,” along with cameos from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, celebrated Latino culture on the biggest stage in American sports. It sparked widespread discussion about language, representation, and cultural inclusion in mainstream U.S. media.

How did Sam Darnold’s performance compare to his past?

This was the culmination of Darnold’s career turnaround. In his previous playoff appearances with the Jets and Panthers, he was often criticized for turnovers and poor decision-making in high-pressure moments. In Super Bowl LX, he was a game manager: he protected the ball (no interceptions), made his key throw for a touchdown to AJ Barner, and allowed his defense and running game to carry the day. It was a performance of poise and efficiency, not volume.

What happened to the “streaker” during the game?

In the fourth quarter, a topless man ran onto the field at Levi’s Stadium, evading security for a brief period before being tackled. The incident caused a temporary stoppage in play. Coincidentally, it seemed to briefly energize the Patriots’ offense, which promptly scored a touchdown on the next drive. The individual’s identity and motives were not immediately disclosed by stadium authorities.

Did Donald Trump attend the Super Bowl?

No. Former President Donald Trump did not attend Super Bowl LX. However, he posted on social media criticizing Bad Bunny’s halftime performance, calling it an “affront” to the United States and falsely claiming no one could understand it. His comments were widely seen as a continuation of his political rhetoric against the artist, who has been critical of Trump’s immigration policies.

Conclusion: Legacy and Implications

Super Bowl LX will be remembered as a game where defense, special teams, and redemption converged. For the Seattle Seahawks, it is the culmination of a swift rebuild under Mike Macdonald, proving that a team can win a championship with a balanced, physical approach rather than a solely offensive firepower. Sam Darnold’s story is one of the great comeback narratives in NFL history, transforming from a perceived draft bust to a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Kenneth Walker’s MVP performance solidified his status as one of the league’s elite running backs.

For the New England Patriots, the loss is a sobering setback in their post-Brady rebuild. Despite an outstanding regular season and Coach of the Year honor for Mike Vrabel, their offensive line’s collapse on the grandest stage exposed a critical flaw. Drake Maye’s promising rookie season ended in disappointment, but the experience will undoubtedly shape his development.

Culturally, Bad Bunny’s halftime show signaled a new era for the NFL’s most-watched event, embracing a global, Spanish-language audience in an unprecedented way. The intersection of sports, music, and politics was unavoidable, proving the Super Bowl remains a central cultural battlefield in America.

Ultimately, the 29-13 final score tells a story of a team that executed its game plan to perfection in all three phases. The Seattle Seahawks are once again Super Bowl champions, and their victory in Super Bowl 2026 will be dissected for years as a masterclass in defensive football and the power of a second chance.