Eleven years after an agonizing defeat on the 1-yard line, the Seattle Seahawks have finally exorcised their New England demons. Behind a defensive performance that echoed the legendary "Legion of Boom," Seattle dismantled the New England Patriots 29-13 at Levi’s Stadium to claim the franchise’s second world championship.
The Seahawks' title run will forever be defined by the acronym M.O.B.- Mission Over B.S. The seeds of this championship were sown on a defiant night in November when All-Pro linebacker Ernest Jones IV stared down critics of quarterback Sam Darnold.
Jones’ prophetic confidence that "everything was going to be OK" manifested in a season-ending winning streak that culminated in Sunday night's dominance.
They made it happen. They made it come to life. And we won the game.Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Head Coach
Seattle’s "Dark Side" defense proved to be a nightmare for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Drake Maye. The Seahawks swarmed the young quarterback, recording six sacks and forcing three turnovers.
Turning point: In the third quarter, defensive lineman Uchenna Nwosu intercepted Maye and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, essentially ending New England’s upset hopes.
Young pillars: Cornerback Devon Witherspoon and safety Nick Emmanwori blanketed the secondary, while Derick Hall and Byron Murphy each tallied two sacks.
The veterans: Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed contributed strength to the interior, with Reed serving as the emotional catalyst for the team throughout the season.
While the defense set the floor, Kenneth Walker III set the ceiling. The dynamic tailback earned Super Bowl MVP honors with a grueling, high-octane performance.
Kenneth Walker III: 135 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards, including back-to-back explosive runs in the second quarter that set the tone.
Sam Darnold’s redemption: Completing his journey from "seeing ghosts" in New York to a champion in Seattle, Darnold managed the game with precision, throwing a 16-yard touchdown strike to tight end A.J. Barner.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Despite being shadowed by Christian Gonzalez, the NFL’s receiving king provided the necessary gravity to open the field, capping the greatest individual receiving season in Seahawks history.
The "Misfit" weapon: Former Rams star Cooper Kupp led the team in receiving with 61 yards, proving his value as a hometown hero in the Pacific Northwest.
In a game defined by field position, Seattle’s specialists were flawless:
Jason Myers: A perfect 5-for-5 on field goal attempts, providing all of Seattle's first-half scoring.
Michael Dickson: Downed three punts inside the 6-yard line, consistently pinning the Patriots deep in their own territory.
Despite the loss, the New England Patriots emerge from 2026 as a team on the rise. Under AP Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel, the franchise has successfully rebuilt its identity around Drake Maye, who led the NFL in passer rating this season. Though stifled on Sunday, the Patriots' return to the Super Bowl marks the end of their post-Brady mediocrity.