Super Bowl LX Recap: Seahawks Dominate Patriots
- Rex Ballard
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
Seahawks Claim Second Lombardi Trophy
In a gritty defensive showdown that harkened back to their epic clash 11 years ago, the Seattle Seahawks exacted sweet revenge on the New England Patriots, cruising to a 29-13 victory in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. The win marks Seattle's second NFL championship in franchise history, flipping the script on Super Bowl XLIX where the Patriots snatched victory in the final moments.
The Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl LX, defeating the New England Patriots
The game, played on February 8, 2026, under the bright lights of the San Francisco 49ers' home turf, was far from the high-scoring spectacle many anticipated. Instead, it showcased the Seahawks' suffocating "Dark Side" defense, which held the Patriots scoreless through the first three quarters and forced multiple turnovers. Seattle's running back Kenneth Walker III earned Super Bowl MVP honors with a powerhouse performance: 135 yards on 27 carries, including a crucial touchdown that sealed the deal. Kicker Jason Myers was equally heroic, setting a Super Bowl record with five field goals, outscoring the entire Patriots team "single-footedly" for much of the game.
Game Breakdown: A Defensive Masterclass
Seattle jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The Seahawks' defense, led by linebacker Uchenna Nwosu's fumble recovery for a 44-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, overwhelmed New England's offensive line. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who had led his team on a Cinderella run to the big game, struggled mightily against the pressure, completing just 18 of 35 passes for 187 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. In a post-game presser, Maye was brutally honest: "I didn't play well enough... We got outplayed."
On the other side, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, a journeyman who revitalized his career in Seattle after stints with multiple teams, managed the game efficiently with 214 passing yards and no turnovers. Darnold's steady hand, combined with Walker's ground dominance, allowed Seattle to control the clock and wear down the Patriots' defense.
Seahawks' Kenneth Walker III named Super Bowl LX MVP | The Seattle Times
Key moments included a controversial catch by Seahawks receiver Cooper Kupp on the opening drive, which drew viewer outcry but avoided replay review. Seattle built a 12-0 halftime lead on Myers' field goals, and despite a late Patriots rally—including a touchdown pass from Maye to Mack Hollins—the Seahawks' defense slammed the door shut.
Halftime Spectacle and Off-Field Highlights
The halftime show featured Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, who delivered an electrifying set blending reggaeton hits with surprise guests Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga for a salsa-infused "Die with a Smile." The performance included provocative women dancing and raunchy elements, such as close-up making out and steamy dance moves, which some viewers hailed as the sexiest Super Bowl halftime ever, while others debated its appropriateness for a broad audience. While the performance drew mixed reviews—some praised its energy, others called it "garbage" and the worst NFL halftime show ever.
Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show: Cultural Take on Bad Bunny Performance
Meanwhile, Turning Point USA's "All-American Halftime Show," offered as an alternative, proved to be a smashing hit, featuring Kid Rock, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, and Gabby Barrett in a patriotic lineup dedicated to the organization's late founder Charlie Kirk. Even though not all parts of the country had easy access to the show—primarily streamed on YouTube and select platforms due to licensing issues—it still pulled in over 6 million concurrent viewers on Turning Point's site and as many as 20 million viewers from all streaming sites. Thats a lot of viewers who clicked off the NFL broadcast to opt for the TPUSA event. With numbers like that you can bet that an alternative halftime show will become the norm for future Super Bowls.
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, delivered a standout and heartfelt performance during the show. He headlined, kicking off with his 1999 rap-rock hit "Bawitdaba" under his stage name Kid Rock. For his second number, he was reintroduced to the stage as "our brother, Robert Ritchie," emphasizing a more personal and introspective side. He then performed a reimagined cover of Cody Johnson's 2021 country ballad "'Til You Can't," a song originally about seizing the day and cherishing life's moments. Ritchie had teased this as a "surprise song" in pre-event interviews, noting that he awoke one night with the track in his head and felt compelled to add a new verse to infuse it with spiritual depth.
The added verse transformed the song into a Bible-themed anthem, focusing on faith, redemption, and Jesus Christ. The lyrics he debuted were: “There’s a book sitting in your house somewhere that could use some dusting off. There’s a man who died for all our sins hanging from the cross. You can give your life to Jesus and he’ll give you a second chance. Till you can’t.”
Kid Rock headlines Turning Point USA's Super Bowl halftime show.
This Christian twist was described as emotional and touching, giving the song "a whole new meaning" and eliciting cheers from the live studio audience, particularly when Ritchie mentioned Jesus. Performed in a simple setup resembling an "American Idol" stage inside a hangar, the rendition highlighted Ritchie's vocal range and personal conviction, blending country balladry with evangelical messaging. Following the show, Ritchie released a studio version of the cover at midnight on February 9, 2026, fulfilling his promise to share the track with fans. The performance was widely praised online as a highlight of the TPUSA event, resonating with viewers seeking faith-infused entertainment amid the Super Bowl festivities.
Pre-game, Charlie Puth's rendition of the national anthem set a soulful tone, and rock icons Green Day kicked off the festivities with an explosive performance that included profanity, such as F-bombs and explicit lyrics like "Mind f*** America," which NBC censored during the broadcast, sparking backlash from fans who felt it was inappropriate for family viewing.
Commercials ranged from heartwarming to quirky, with FOX airing a slew of high-profile ads that viewers can rewatch online. Celebrity reactions poured in post-game, with Seattle native Chris Pratt and actor Joel McHale cheering "Go Hawks!" on social media.
Review and Analysis: Redemption and Reality Check
This Super Bowl was no thriller, but it was a testament to old-school football: defense wins championships. The Seahawks, defying preseason odds, capped a remarkable turnaround under head coach Mike Macdonald, with Darnold's resurgence symbolizing the team's grit.
Their "relentless" pressure pummeled the Patriots, exposing New England's offensive line vulnerabilities—rookie tackles were overwhelmed, and Maye showed signs of rookie burnout.
For the Patriots, the loss stings as a blowout in their magical season, but bright spots like cornerback Christian Gonzalez's lockdown play hint at a promising future. Critics noted the game's lack of offensive fireworks, dubbing it a "defensive battle" rather than a shootout, but Seattle fans won't mind—the Lombardi Trophy is heading back to the Pacific Northwest.
As the confetti settled, one thing was clear: Super Bowl LX was about redemption for Seattle, closing the chapter on 2015's heartbreak. Now, the NFL turns to 2026 offseason storylines, with both teams poised for contention.