Sam Darnold never gave up on his dream. Now he’s a Super Bowl champion with Seahawks
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates while holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy following Seattle’s 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday.
(Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA — Sam Darnold did not really know what to say.
So as the Seattle Seahawks quarterback stood on stage at Levi’s Stadium after becoming a Super Bowl champion, he made a few comments thanking teammates and fans before ultimately boiling it down to this:
“Just a job well done,” he said.
The words were simple. Concise. And captured the essence of a player who traveled a road filled with disappointments and setbacks but always believed in himself.
On Sunday, Darnold was far from spectacular. But the former San Clemente High and USC star played error-free, tossed a touchdown pass and let running back Kenneth Walker III, kicker Jason Myers and a dominating defense do the rest in a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
It was the Seahawks second Super Bowl title, their first since 2014.
Super Bowl 2026 ads, ranked from best to worst
The Michelob Ultra 2026 Super Bowl ad featured actors Kurt Russell, left, and Lewis Pullman.
(Michelob ULTRA via AP)
Were you ready for some non-football consumerism? Ready or not, the Super Bowl’s annual blitz of commercials landed before and during the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots defense-first matchup, with some ads served up in advance while others were unveiled for the first time during the game. As in previous years, there were serious clunkers (looking at you Bud Light rolling keg ad), but also a few that transcended their buy-more mission (may you live forever Melissa McCarthy). Other trends we noticed: celebrities double dipping to appear in more than one Super Bowl commercial (three if you’re Sofía Vergara), lots of borderline-gross humor (exploding heads, singing clumps of shaved body hair, singing toilets and plenty of ads trying to convince America that AI tools aren’t a waste of time and energy).
While many of this year’s ads promoted artificial intelligence and the usual rah-rah-America nods to patriotism, one trend we noticed was that the longer versions for some of the best Super Bowl ads, found online, were even better than the condensed cuts that made it to broadcast. What if next year, we make the Super Bowl three quarters and the commercial breaks 15 minutes long? Any takers?
When and where will Super Bowl LXI be played in 2027?
The Super Bowl will return to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood next season, five years after the Rams won Super Bowl LVI in their home stadium.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Super Bowl LX is over.
That makes this the perfect time to start thinking ahead to Super Bowl LXI.
Here’s everything we know about the next NFL championship game:
When is Super Bowl LXI?
Feb. 14, 2027. Football fans, now is the time to set yourself a reminder to make early Valentine’s Day plans for next year. You don’t want to have to sleep on the same couch your buddy spilled guacamole dip all over during the big game, do you?
How many Super Bowls have the Seattle Seahawks won?
Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love, right, celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass from New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye during Super LX on Sunday in Santa Clara.
(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX.
This is the second time the Seahawks hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in four visits to the NFL’s championship game.
After joining the NFL as an expansion team in 1976, the Seahawks didn’t make it to the big game until Super Bowl XL following the 2005 season. Coached by Mike Holmgren and led by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle went 13-3 during the regular season and defeated Washington and Carolina in the playoffs.
Bad Bunny fit in an actual wedding, with cake, in Super Bowl halftime show
A couple exchanged vows during halftime at Sunday’s Super Bowl.
(Josh Edelson / AFP/Getty Images)
A real couple said “I do” at the Super Bowl halftime show — and Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga were there to bless the union.
For those analyzing the details in Bad Bunny’s 15-minute halftime performance, there was a real wedding that took place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in front of 75,000 fans.
Seahawks defeat Patriots for franchise’s second Super Bowl title
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
(Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 29, Patriots 13 — FINAL
Behind a stellar defensive effort that included six sacks, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
It is the second Super Bowl title in Seahawks franchise history.
Patriots score touchdown late in the fourth quarter
🏈 Seahawks 29, Patriots 13 — 2:21 left in the fourth quarter
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye connected on a seven-yard touchdown pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson, but it might be too little, too late for a New England comeback.
The Patriots failed to convert on a two-point attempt after the touchdown.
Seahawks return interception for a touchdown to take commanding lead
🏈 Seahawks 29, Patriots 7 — 4:27 left in the fourth quarter
Seattle linebacker Uchenna Nwosu returned a Drake Maye interception 44 yards for a touchdown to give the Seahawks a commanding lead late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LX.
The fumble came just before cornerback Devon Witherspoon was about to sack Maye.
Jason Myers sets Super Bowl record with fifth field goal
🏈 Seahawks 22, Patriots 7 — 5:35 left in the fourth quarter
Seattle’s Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record with his fifth field goal to extend the Seahawks’ lead late in the fourth quarter.
The field goal came at the end of a six-play, 30-yard drive.
New England is running out of time to mount a comeback.
Julian Love interception halts Patriots drive
🏈 Seahawks 19, Patriots 7 — 8:07 left in the fourth quarter
Seattle safety Julian Love intercepted a pass from New England quarterback Drake Maye and returned the ball 38 yards to deal a significant blow to the Patriots’ comeback hopes.
The Seahawks took over at the New England 38 after the Patriots’ seven-play, 40-yard drive.
Patriots come alive with spectacular Mack Hollins TD catch
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye passes against the Seahawks.
(Brynn Anderson / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 19, Patriots 7 — 12:27 left in the fourth quarter
Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins made a spectacular touchdown catch on a 35-yard pass from Drake Maye to show some life on offense.
The much-needed touchdown capped a speedy, three-play, 65-yard drive that included Hollins catching a 24-yard pass before the touchdown.
Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba returned to the game on the ensuing possession after being evaluated for a concussion.
Seattle kicker Jason Myers sets record with five field goals in Super Bowl LX
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers kicks his fourth successful field goal during Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots.
(Matt Slocum / Associated Press)
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers has set a record with five field goals during Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots.
Myers kicked a 33-yard field goal following the Seahawks’ opening drive for a 3-0 lead at 11:58 in the first quarter. He followed with a 39-yarder at the 11:16 mark in the second quarter and a 41-yarder with 11 seconds left in the quarter for a 9-0 halftime lead.
Sam Darnold connects with AJ Barner for game’s first TD
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner catches a touchdown pass against the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter.
(Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 19, Patriots 0 — 13:24 left in the fourth quarter
Following a Seattle fumble recovery, Sam Darnold connected on a 16-yard pass to tight end AJ Barner to give the Seahawks a commanding lead early in the fourth quarter.
It was the game’s first touchdown pass in a contest that has been dominated by the Seattle defense so far.
An 11-yard reception by Barner and a nine-yard catch by Cooper Kupp set up the touchdowns.
Seattle has 297 total yards to New England’s 78.
Derick Hall strip-sack leads to Seahawks fumble recovery
🏈 Seahawks 12, Patriots 0 — End of third quarter
Seattle linebacker Derick Hall strip-sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, and Byron Murphy II recovered the fumble to end another New England possession.
The Seahawks are completely dominating on defense — the Patriots have just 78 total yards of offense.
Seattle took over at the New England 37-yard line after the fumble recovery.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba being evaluated for a concussion
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes a catch in the third quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
(Matt Slocum / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 12, Patriots 0 — 2:48 left in the third quarter
Seattle star Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the leading receiver in the NFL this season, left the game to be evaluated for a concussion.
Smith-Njigba took a hard hit before making his way to the sideline. After going inside the sideline medical tent, he walked to the locker room.
Bad Bunny brings Puerto Rico to the Super Bowl halftime show
Bad Bunny performs during Sunday’s Super Bowl LX halftime show.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
At a time of widespread fear and distrust in the United States, Bad Bunny offered a loving and optimistic vision of the American experience during his halftime show at Sunday’s Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Leading an expansive and multigenerational crew of singers, dancers and musicians, the 31-year-old Puerto Rican superstar followed up his historic album of the year win at last weekend’s Grammy Awards with a busy and colorful performance that drew lines between the traditional folk forms of his native island and the throbbing reggaeton beats that have made him an icon to young people around the globe.
Drake Maye had a rough first half. It wasn’t the worst Super Bowl performance by a QB, though
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Rylie Mills, right, sacks New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye during the first half of Super Bowl LX.
(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye passed for 48 yards in the first half of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks.
That’s a pretty low total for one half — but it’s not even the lowest amount of passing yards for an entire Super Bowl.
Seahawks extend their lead with their fourth field goal
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III fends off New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones during the second half of Super Bowl LX.
(Doug Benc / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 12, Patriots 0 — 9:12 left in the third quarter
Jason Myers kicked another 41-yard field goal — his fourth field goal of the game — to extend Seattle’s lead in third quarter.
The field goal came at the end of a 10-play, 69-yard drive that included an 11-yard scramble by Sam Darnold, Kenneth Walker III catching a 20-yard pass and Jaxon Smith-Njigba catching a 16-yard pass.
Patriots go nowhere on first possession of third quarter
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, left, fights off pressure from Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe during the first half.
(Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 9, Patriots 0 — 13:23 left in the third quarter
The first Patriots possession of the second half ended in another three-and-out.
TreVeyon Henderson had a seven-yard run, but cornerback Josh Jobe broke up a pass for wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to prompt the Patriots’ sixth punt of the game.
Seahawks extend their lead on third field goal of game
Seattle’s Jason Myers kicks a 41-yard field goal late in the second quarter against the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
(Morry Gash / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 9, Patriots 0 — HALFTIME
Jason Myers kicked a 41-yard field goal with 11 seconds left in the first half to give the Seahawks a two-score lead in what has been the defensive duel so far.
Myers’ field goal came at the end of a nine-play, 34-yard drive that ended when Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez nearly picked off a pass near the end zone intended for Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Both teams struggled to find much rhythm on offense as each team leaned on their strong defenses to keep quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Drake Maye under near constant pressure.
The difference on offense has been Seattle’s ability to find success in its running back. Kenneth Walker III rushed for 94 yards in 14 carries, helping the Seahawks get into range for three Myers field goals.
Darnold has completed nine of 22 passes for 88 yards. Maye has completed six of 11 passes for 48 yards for a Patriots team that just had 51 total yards. The Seahawks sacked Maye three times in the first half.
What is the lowest halftime score in Super Bowl history?
Referee Bernie Ulman signals for a safety after Minnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton fell on the ball in his own end zone during the second quarter of Super Bowl IX against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
(Jack Thornell / Associated Press)
The Seattle Seahawks lead the New England Patriots 9-0 at halftime of Super Bowl LX on a pair of field goals by kicker Jason Myers.
That’s a pretty low score — but it’s not close to being the lowest halftime score in Super Bowl history. That came in Super Bowl IX following the 1974 season.
In a struggle between two classic NFL defenses — Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain vs. Minnesota’s Purple People Eaters — the only first-half points midway through the second quarter. On second and 7 from his own 10-yard line, Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton lost the ball and had to fall on it in the Vikings’ end zone. He was touched by Steelers defensive end Dwight White, who was credited with the sack.
How did those Bad Bunny-themed, anti-ICE towels get into the Super Bowl?
Bad Bunny speaks at the 68th Grammy Awards last Sunday.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
One of the most coveted pieces of Super Bowl merch this year won’t be sold in stores, and the NFL probably doesn’t want to see it in the stands.
It’s a rally towel with a cute, punting bunny graphic from acclaimed L.A. illustrator Lalo Alcaraz on one side, honoring this year’s halftime show performer Bad Bunny. But there’s an unambiguous message on the other side — “ICE OUT.”
Seahawks double their lead with another field goal
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, right, hands off to running back Kenneth Walker III in the first half Sunday.
(Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 6, Patriots 0 — 11:16 left in the second quarter
Jason Myers kicked a 39-yard field goal to double Seattle’s lead after a pair of big runs by Kenneth Walker III.
In what has been a defensive duel so far, Walker moved the Seahawks into field-goal range with runs of 30 and 29 yards. But the Seahawks hit a wall in the red zone, with Walker getting hit behind the line on two carries and Sam Darnold throwing an incomplete pass.
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez made a great defensive play on a deep pass intended for Rashid Shaheed early in the drive.
Seahawks defense making life difficult for Drake Maye
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall celebrates in the first quarter after sacking Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
(Morry Gash / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 3, Patriots 0 — 1:25 left in the first quarter
Devon Witherspoon sacked Drake Maye on third down to end the Patriots’ second possession with a three-and-out.
Maye connected with Kayshon Boutte on a 21-yard pass on the first play of the drive, but the Seahawks advanced no further.
Seattle went three-and-out on its second possession after Sam Darnold couldn’t connect with Jaxon Smith-Njigba on third down.
Seahawks defense gets to Patriots QB Drake Maye
Seahawks fans cheer at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
🏈 Seahawks 3, Patriots 0 — 7:11 left in the first quarter
The Patriots’ first possession fizzled at midfield after Derick Hall sacked Drake Maye for a 10-yard loss.
Maye actually scrambled for 11 yards on second down before he was forced to throw the ball away on third down after relentless Seattle pressure.
Seahawks take early lead on field goal
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches a pass in front of New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones during the first quarter.
(Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
🏈 Seahawks 3, Patriots 0 — 11:58 left in the first quarter
Jason Myers kicked a 33-yard field goal on the opening possession of the game to give Seattle an early.
The field goal came at the end of an eight-play, 51-yard drive that included a 23-yard reception by receiver Cooper Kupp and a 15-yard catch by AJ Barner.
What happens if Super Bowl LX goes into overtime? Here’s how the NFL’s rules work
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce makes the game-winning touchdown catch during overtime against the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 23, 2022, at Arrowhead Stadium.
(William Purnell / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The final quarter of the AFC divisional round playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 23, 2022, could not have been more exciting.
Three lead changes.
Five scoring drives.
A 36-36 tie at the end of regulation.
The overtime period, however, could not have been more disappointing.
Have the Patriots and Seahawks played each other in the Super Bowl before this season?
New England rookie Malcolm Butler intercepts a pass by Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz.
(Rob Carr / Getty Images)
Malcolm Butler rang the New England Patriots’ fog bell before the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
It certainly was no accident Butler was chosen to do so by the Patriots. He played a key role in helping New England beat Seattle the only time other time the two teams faced off in the Super Bowl.
Can the 2026 Super Bowl set a ratings record again without the Chiefs (or Taylor Swift)?
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will lead their respective teams in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday.
(Associated Press)
The adage that records are made to be broken definitely applies to the TV ratings for the Super Bowl.
For three straight years, the game deciding the champion for the NFL season has set new viewing records, including last year’s Philadelphia Eagles crushing victory over the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 that scored an average audience of 127.7 million viewers on Fox.
Both the 2024 and 2025 games had the benefit of the pop culture sizzle generated by Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s romance with pop superstar Taylor Swift, bringing in more casual fans.
Has anyone ever won a Super Bowl as a player and a head coach?
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel could become the fifth person to win a Super Bowl as a player and a head coach.
(Charles Krupa / Associated Press)
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has a chance to join an exclusive group when his team plays the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
If the Patriots are victorious, Vrabel will become only the fifth Super Bowl-winning head coach to have also won a Super Bowl as a player.
Tom Flores was the first person to achieve this distinction. While much of his playing career took place in the pre-Super Bowl era, Flores was a backup quarterback for the 1969 Kansas City Chiefs, winners of Super Bowl IV over the Minnesota Vikings. He was the Raiders’ receivers coach when they beat the Vikings in Super Bowl XI and won two more as the Raiders’ head coach — Super Bowl XV over the Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl XVIII over Washington.
Which NFL team has won the most Super Bowls?
Fox Sports’ Terry Bradshaw, left, interviews New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady after Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5, 2017. Bradshaw was quarterback for four of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ six Super Bowl-winning teams. Brady was quarterback for all six of New England’s Super Bowl wins.
(Al Bello / Getty Images)
The New England Patriots have a chance to make history at Super Bowl LX.
A New England win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in Santa Clara would break a tie between the Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl championships. Right now, the two teams are tied with six each.
The Steelers were the first team to win a half-dozen Lombardi trophies. They won four during their dynasty of the 1970s, with Chuck Noll as coach and Terry Bradshaw as the starting quarterback.
Super Bowl host California bans sports betting, but prediction markets found a loophole
Sports betting is banned in California outside of tribal-owned casinos, but prediction markets have exploited legal loopholes to take bets on an array of Super Bowl topics.
(Godofredo A. Vásquez / Associated Press)
Green Day says “MAGA” while playing during the Super Bowl opening ceremony, Bad Bunny follows by starting off the halftime show with “Baile Inolvidable,” and soccer star Lionel Messi takes in the game at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium.
Each of those possibilities is available to put money on via prediction market behemoth Kalshi, but it’s other offerings by Kalshi and similar platforms that have irked California lawmakers, gaming tribes and even the NFL: wagers on the game that mimic traditional sports bets that are, for the time being, legal to make.
Rams castoffs Cooper Kupp and Ernest Jones ready to lead Seahawks in Super Bowl
Former Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is back in the Super Bowl, this time with the Seattle Seahawks.
(Eakin Howard / Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Receiver Cooper Kupp and linebacker Ernest Jones IV have been on this stage.
So has running back Cam Akers.
All three started for the Rams four years ago in a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium.
All eventually were released or traded by the Rams and wound up with the Seattle Seahawks, who play the New England Patriots on Sunday in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium.
From journeyman to USC history-maker: Sam Darnold ready for his Super Bowl moment
Quarterback Sam Darnold led the Seahawks to a 14-3 record this season and will become the first former USC quarterback to start in the Super Bowl.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
SANTA CLARA — USC owns a long history in the Super Bowl.
Going into this year, according to the school, 120 former Trojans were on Super Bowl rosters, with 48 winning one or more titles.
Receiver Lynn Swann, running back Marcus Allen and linebacker Malcolm Smith were Super Bowl most valuable players.
“We’ve got our fingerprints all over that game,” Allen said of USC players.
Is Patriots QB Drake Maye ready for the NFL’s biggest stage?
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will make his Super Bowl debut on Sunday in only his second NFL season.
(Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA — Drake Maye did not wait long to earn a spot on the NFL’s grandest stage.
In only his second season, the New England Patriots’ quarterback led his team to the Super Bowl.
Now Maye, 23, will try to join four other second-year quarterbacks who won Super Bowl titles.
“I’m not too great at my history,” Maye said when asked if he knew the other second-year winners. “I know there’s been some young ones.”
Afterthoughts no more: How Seahawks and Patriots went from long shots to Super Bowl
SAN FRANCISCO — Neither team began the season among the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
The Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots both were regarded as long shots.
But not by their coaches and players.
On Sunday, the Seahawks and Patriots will play in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium.
After the Seahawks defeated the Rams in the NFC championship game, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald was asked during a postgame broadcast about being an “afterthought” behind the Rams and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West.
Super Bowl LX fans will enjoy nice weather for kickoff
Fans begin filtering into Levi’s Stadium on a warm Sunday afternoon before the start of the Super Bowl on Sunday in Santa Clara.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
Nice weather is on tap for Sunday’s Super Bowl LX, both at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and in Los Angeles, according to the National Weather Service.
The low clouds and fog that hung over parts of the Santa Clara area Sunday morning were expected to clear by noon, with the region becoming a bit more sunny. Kickoff between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Super Bowl LX: Start time, teams, how to watch and halftime show
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will lead their respective teams in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Feb. 8.
(Associated Press)
The conference championship games are over and the countdown to Super Bowl LX begins.
Super Bowl LX (60) will be played at 3:30 p.m. PST on Sunday. It will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., home of the San Francisco 49ers.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game, including start time, TV channel, how to stream, betting odds and more.