The New England Patriots arrive on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in San Jose, Calif (AP Photos) The New England Patriots’ Super Bowl LX journey officially began on Sunday as the franchise arrived in California with history, expectation and momentum in tow. Touching down at San Jose Mineta Airport after departing Rhode Island, the Patriots marked the start of Super Bowl Week with a clear mission. Preparation now takes priority as New England sets up camp at Stanford University, one week out from the NFL’s biggest stage.This return carries weight. It is the Patriots’ first Super Bowl appearance since 2019 and their 12th overall, more than any team in league history. Head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye led a focused group into a cloudy Bay Area afternoon, fully aware that another Lombardi Trophy would further strengthen a legacy already etched into NFL lore.
New England Patriots Super Bowl LX return sets stage for Seahawks rematch
The Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, a matchup that revives memories of Super Bowl XLIX. That game ended with Malcolm Butler’s goal line interception, sealing one of the most dramatic finishes the sport has seen. This time, Seattle enters favored by 4.5 points, seeking redemption against a franchise that has so often denied it.New England’s path back to the Super Bowl has been anything but routine. After consecutive 4 and 13 seasons, the Patriots authored a remarkable turnaround. They eliminated the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round, shut down the Houston Texans and their top ranked defense in the Divisional round, then stunned the Denver Broncos on the road in the AFC Championship Game. The run restored belief inside a locker room that blends youth with championship expectations.The Patriots’ Super Bowl history reads like a timeline of the modern NFL. From their first title in Super Bowl XXXVI to back to back wins in Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX, New England defined an era. They later added unforgettable moments, including a last second win over Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX and the largest comeback ever against Atlanta in Super Bowl LI. A sixth title came in Super Bowl LIII, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most championships all time.Health will be closely monitored this week. Maye is managing a shoulder issue, while Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has dealt with an oblique injury. Neither is expected to miss the game. With both teams intact, Super Bowl LX shapes up as a defining test of resilience, preparation and legacy.