Seattle Seahawks Crowned Super Bowl LX Champions: Everything You Need to Know About 2026’s Biggest Game
The confetti has settled, the Lombardi Trophy has been hoisted, and football fans around the world are still buzzing about what happened on February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California. If you missed the Super Bowl or just want to relive every thrilling moment, you’re in exactly the right place.
Here’s something most people didn’t expect: the Seattle Seahawks absolutely dominated the New England Patriots with a convincing 29-13 victory that wasn’t nearly as close as the final score suggests. What made this game particularly special? It was a redemption story eleven years in the making, taking us back to that heartbreaking Super Bowl XLIX loss in 2015 when Malcolm Butler’s interception crushed Seattle’s repeat hopes.
But this wasn’t Russell Wilson’s Seahawks or Tom Brady’s Patriots anymore. This was Sam Darnold’s career resurrection meeting Drake Maye’s promising future, and only one story got the Hollywood ending. The real question everyone’s asking: how did Seattle’s defense completely shut down one of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks? And why is Kenneth Walker III’s MVP performance already being compared to Terrell Davis’s legendary 1998 Super Bowl showing?
In this complete guide, we’re breaking down the Super Bowl 2026 score, dissecting Kenneth Walker III’s MVP-worthy performance, revealing which commercials went viral (and why Bad Bunny’s halftime show has everyone talking), plus giving you an early look at Super Bowl 2027 predictions. Whether you’re here for the game stats, the entertainment moments, or just trying to understand what happened, we’ve got you covered.
The Final Score: Seattle Seahawks 29, New England Patriots 13
Let’s get straight to what you came here for: the Seahawks absolutely earned their second championship in franchise history. The final score of 29-13 doesn’t fully capture just how dominant Seattle’s performance was, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Here’s how the game unfolded quarter by quarter:
First Quarter: Seattle 3, New England 0
The Patriots couldn’t get anything going early, and Seattle’s Jason Myers connected on a 33-yard field goal to draw first blood. New England’s offense looked completely lost against Seattle’s ferocious pass rush.
Second Quarter: Seattle 9, New England 0
Myers added two more field goals (39 and 41 yards), and the Patriots still couldn’t find the end zone. Drake Maye was under constant pressure, getting sacked repeatedly and making rushed decisions. By halftime, it was clear this wasn’t going to be the offensive shootout many expected.
Third Quarter: Seattle 12, New England 0
Another Myers field goal extended the lead, and the Patriots’ offense continued to sputter. The Seahawks’ game plan was simple but brutally effective: pressure Maye relentlessly and let Kenneth Walker III control the clock.
Fourth Quarter: Seattle 29, New England 13
This is when things finally opened up. Sam Darnold connected with Austin Barner for a 16-yard touchdown pass, and Myers converted the extra point to make it 19-0. The Patriots finally responded when Maye found Mack Hollins for a 35-yard touchdown, giving New England their first points of the game. But Seattle’s defense had one more dagger: linebacker Uchenna Nwosu intercepted Maye and returned it 45 yards for a pick-six, essentially ending any comeback hopes. Maye added a late touchdown pass to Rhamondre Stevenson, but the game was already decided.
What made Seattle’s victory so impressive? The Patriots didn’t score a single point until there were just over 12 minutes left in the game. According to statistics from the Elias Sports Bureau, New England’s scoreless streak of 10 consecutive possessions to start the game tied them with the 1969 Indianapolis Colts for the fourth-longest such streak in Super Bowl history.
You can find more detailed analysis of championship performances like this on Lume Chronos, where we track historical sports moments and their lasting impact.
Super Bowl MVP 2026: Kenneth Walker III Makes History
If there was any doubt about who deserved the Super Bowl LX MVP award, Kenneth Walker III silenced it with one of the most complete running back performances we’ve seen in years.
Walker’s final stat line tells the story: 135 rushing yards on 27 carries, plus two receptions for 26 additional yards, giving him 161 total yards from scrimmage. But numbers alone don’t capture what made his performance so special.
Here’s what you need to understand about Walker’s MVP-worthy game:
He’s the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP since Terrell Davis in 1998. That’s 28 years between running back MVPs, which shows you just how pass-heavy the modern NFL has become. In recent years, quarterbacks have dominated this award, making Walker’s achievement even more remarkable.
He had multiple runs of over 25 yards. According to NFL statistics, Walker is one of only three players in Super Bowl history to accomplish this feat. His ability to break off explosive plays kept the Patriots’ defense honest and prevented them from selling out to stop the pass.
He controlled the game’s tempo. While Sam Darnold managed the passing game efficiently (19 completions on 38 attempts for 202 yards and one touchdown), Walker was the engine that kept Seattle’s offense moving. His 32 total touches dominated possession time, keeping Darnold fresh and Drake Maye on the sideline.
The Michigan State product has come a long way since being drafted in 2022. His journey from a talented rookie to a Super Bowl MVP demonstrates what happens when a running back finds the right system and the right offensive line. Seattle’s commitment to the ground game, even in an era dominated by passing attacks, proved to be the winning formula.
Social media erupted when Walker was announced as MVP. His alma mater, Michigan State, tweeted: “K9 SUPER BOWL MVP ‼️” (Source)
The NFL’s official account celebrated with: “First running back to win Super Bowl MVP since 1998! @Kenneth_Walker9 #SuperBowlLX” (Source)
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Who Won Super Bowl 2026? Seattle’s Redemption Story
The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX, but this victory means so much more than just another championship. This was eleven years of waiting, hoping, and rebuilding finally paying off.
Remember February 1, 2015? Most Seahawks fans would rather forget. With 26 seconds left in Super Bowl XLIX, Russell Wilson threw an interception at the goal line that cost Seattle back-to-back championships. Malcolm Butler’s heroic play for the Patriots became one of the most replayed moments in NFL history, and Seattle fans wondered if they’d ever get another chance.
Fast forward to 2026, and everything has changed. Russell Wilson is no longer with the team. Pete Carroll has moved on. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are both retired. But the rivalry remained, and when the bracket revealed that Seattle would face New England once again in the Super Bowl, the storylines wrote themselves.
What made this victory so sweet for Seattle fans? Here are the key factors:
A completely rebuilt roster showing championship DNA. Sam Darnold, once considered a draft bust after disappointing stints with the Jets and Panthers, found his footing with Minnesota in 2024 and signed a three-year deal with Seattle in March 2025. His career resurrection became one of the feel-good stories of the season.
A defense that ranked #1 in the regular season proving they could do it when it mattered most. Seattle’s defense sacked Drake Maye six times (seven if you count the fumble that led to Uchenna Nwosu’s scoop-and-score), intercepted him twice, and forced three total turnovers. They held the Patriots to just 331 total yards and made Maye look uncomfortable all night.
Kenneth Walker III cementing his status as an elite back. While many teams have abandoned the run, Seattle doubled down on it, and Walker rewarded that faith with the kind of performance that wins championships.
Mike Macdonald’s coaching brilliance. In just his second year as Seattle’s head coach, Macdonald has already brought home a Lombardi Trophy. His defensive schemes completely confused Drake Maye, and his game plan was executed to perfection.
For the Patriots, this loss stings but doesn’t diminish what was a remarkable season. Drake Maye, despite the three turnovers, showed flashes of brilliance with 295 passing yards and two touchdowns. At just 22 years old, he’ll have plenty more chances. First-year coach Mike Vrabel, who returned to New England after a successful stint with the Titans, built a competitive team faster than anyone expected.
The rematch narrative captivated football fans worldwide. As NFL legend Robert Griffin III tweeted about the Super Bowl promotional graphic that seemed to predict this matchup: “Little did they know that the two guys they put closest to the trophy and furthest from the audience viewpoint would be the two Quarterbacks in the Super Bowl.” (Source)
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Super Bowl Commercials 2026: The Ads Everyone’s Talking About
If you watch the Super Bowl for the commercials, you weren’t disappointed in 2026. With 30-second spots costing between $8-10 million, advertisers brought their A-game, though the overall tone was noticeably safer and more nostalgic than in recent years.
Here are the commercials that dominated social media conversations:
“He Gets Us” Returns with “More”
For the fourth consecutive year, the evangelical “He Gets Us” campaign bought Super Bowl airtime, but this year they avoided the controversy that plagued their previous ads. The 60-second spot called “More” focused on society’s obsession with materialism and achievement, ending with the simple message: “There’s more to life than more.”
After facing backlash from both conservatives and progressives in previous years, the campaign’s decision to focus on universal themes rather than divisive cultural issues seemed to resonate better with viewers. According to Come Near, the organization behind the campaign, their previous Super Bowl ads have generated nearly 10 billion video views and 70 million website visitors.
William Shatner’s Raisin Bran Masterpiece
At 94 years old, William Shatner proved he’s still got it with a hilarious Raisin Bran commercial that played on both his Star Trek legacy and bathroom humor. Introducing himself as a character named “Will Shat,” the spot perfectly captured Shatner’s self-aware approach to fame. The best moment? When he looked at a pet and asked, “Is that dog a Shih Tzu?”
Kendall Jenner’s FanDuel Controversy
Kendall Jenner made waves with her FanDuel sportsbook commercial that leaned into the “Kardashian Curse” narrative surrounding her ex-boyfriends who play basketball. The spot showed Jenner claiming that betting against her exes has made her more money than modeling. The ad generated significant buzz but also sparked debates about whether promoting sports gambling in such a personal way was appropriate.
Toyota’s “Superhero Belt” Tugs Heartstrings
Toyota’s emotional commercial traced a grandfather and grandson relationship across generations of RAV4 vehicles, centered around the safety message of buckling your “superhero belt.” The 30-second spot resonated with viewers for its genuine emotion without feeling manipulative.
Lady Gaga’s Neighborhood Message
Lady Gaga recorded a new version of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for an ad that emphasized unity and community. While some online critics complained about reimagining the beloved song, the visuals of neighbors helping each other across racial and age differences struck a chord with many viewers.
What stood out about 2026’s Super Bowl commercials? Industry analysts noted that advertisers largely avoided controversial political statements, instead opting for nostalgia, humor, and universal themes of connection. As NPR’s analysis pointed out, “Few commercials tackled social issues. And when they did, the messaging was subtle, friendly and welcoming.” (Source)
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: Cultural Milestone or Controversy?
The halftime show might have been the most talked-about aspect of the entire Super Bowl, and depending on who you ask, Bad Bunny’s performance was either a groundbreaking cultural moment or a disappointing departure from traditional American entertainment.
What Happened During the Performance
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar whose real name is Benito Martínez Ocasio, delivered nearly 13 minutes of high-energy entertainment that showcased hits from his latest album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” He opened with “Tití Me Preguntó” before transitioning to “Yo Perreo Sola,” and brought out surprise guests Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.
The performance featured several notable cameos from the sports world, including boxers Emiliano Vargas and Xander Zayas, as well as Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, and Jessica Alba also made appearances. Perhaps the most viral moment for Los Angeles residents was seeing Villa’s Tacos, a local Highland Park taco shop, featured during the show.
Bad Bunny concluded the performance with “DTMF,” and the finale included a powerful visual statement. He walked off stage carrying a football while dancers followed behind him holding flags representing various North and South American countries and territories. This echoed his recent Grammy acceptance speech where he said “ICE out,” making a political statement about immigration enforcement.
The Reaction Was… Mixed
Social media exploded with reactions ranging from enthusiastic praise to harsh criticism. Here’s what made this performance so polarizing:
The Praise: Many celebrated Bad Bunny as the first Spanish-language headliner to perform at the Super Bowl, viewing it as recognition of Latino culture’s massive influence on American music and society. Former NFL player Chris Harris Jr. admitted, “I didn’t know one song lol,” but many others praised the energetic performance and cultural representation.
Even Sesame Street’s Elmo got in on the action, tweeting: “That Bunny was AMAZING. Elmo thinks he should be called Good Bunny! Elmo loves you, Mr. Good Bunny! ❤️🎶🐰” (Source)
The Criticism: President Donald Trump didn’t hold back, posting on Truth Social that Bad Bunny’s performance was “one of the worst, EVER!” He called the dancing “disgusting” and claimed the show “makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America.” (Source)
Other critics argued that the predominantly Spanish-language performance alienated the core American football audience. Some questioned whether the Super Bowl, traditionally viewed as a celebration of American culture, was the right venue for such a bold departure from English-language entertainment.
The Cultural Significance
Regardless of where you stand on the performance itself, Bad Bunny’s halftime show represents a significant moment in the evolution of American entertainment. Before taking the stage, Bad Bunny addressed concerns about the language barrier: “People only have to worry about dance. They don’t even have to learn Spanish. It’s better if they learn to dance. There’s no better dance than the one that can come from the heart.”
The performance sparked important conversations about representation, cultural identity, and what “American” entertainment means in an increasingly diverse society. It also demonstrated that the NFL is willing to take creative risks to appeal to broader demographics, particularly the growing Latino fanbase that represents one of the league’s fastest-growing audience segments.
Villa’s Tacos captured the emotional impact of their inclusion, posting: “We sold our first taco in the front yard of my grandma’s house in Highland Park more than 8 years ago & I feel that every taco along the way, brought me here. Today. For this moment!” (Source)
Check out the official NFL reactions and behind-the-scenes content on social media:
- Seattle Seahawks Championship Celebration: https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1890846891234586291
- Kenneth Walker III MVP Announcement: https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1890847210489729297
- Bad Bunny Halftime Highlights: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47868552/bad-bunny-super-bowl-lx-half-social-media-new-england-patriots-seattle-seahawks
Breaking Down the Game Stats: Why Seattle Dominated
The final score doesn’t tell the complete story of Seattle’s dominance. Let’s dive into the statistics that explain how the Seahawks controlled this game from start to finish.
Time of Possession: The Hidden Key
Seattle possessed the ball for 33 minutes and 11 seconds compared to New England’s 26 minutes and 49 seconds. This might not sound like a huge difference, but in a game where defense dominated, keeping your own defense fresh while exhausting the opponent’s offense made all the difference.
Defensive Devastation: Six Sacks Tell the Story
The Seahawks’ pass rush was relentless, recording six official sacks of Drake Maye for 43 yards lost. If you count the play where Maye fumbled after being hit (which Uchenna Nwosu recovered and returned for a touchdown), that’s essentially seven sacks. The Patriots’ offensive line, which had been solid throughout the playoffs, simply couldn’t handle Seattle’s exotic blitz packages and edge rushers.
Maye was also hit 11 times by Seattle defenders, meaning he was under pressure on nearly a third of his dropbacks. That kind of harassment leads to rushed decisions, which explains his two interceptions and overall 79.1 passer rating.
Turnover Battle: The Ultimate Decider
Seattle didn’t turn the ball over once. Zero turnovers. Meanwhile, the Patriots coughed it up three times – two Maye interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and one fumble. In championship games, that kind of discrepancy is almost always insurmountable.
Third Down Efficiency: Offense vs. Defense
While specific third-down conversion percentages weren’t available in the detailed stats, Seattle’s defensive dominance showed in their ability to force three-and-outs. The Seahawks defense forced five three-and-outs compared to four by the Patriots defense. That means Seattle consistently got their offense back on the field in good field position.
Jason Myers: The Unsung Hero
Seattle’s kicker went a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals, accounting for 15 of Seattle’s 29 points. His consistency kept the scoreboard ticking even when the offense couldn’t reach the end zone, and his four field goals in the first three quarters built a lead that proved too much for New England to overcome.
Drake Maye’s Struggles in Context
Before we’re too harsh on Maye, let’s acknowledge he’s only 22 years old and facing the NFL’s best defense in the biggest game of his life. His 295 passing yards and two touchdowns show he didn’t completely fold under pressure. However, the three turnovers proved costly, and his inability to move the ball consistently in the first three quarters put his team in an impossible position.
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Sam Darnold’s Redemption: From Bust to Champion
One of the most compelling storylines of Super Bowl LX had nothing to do with the score and everything to do with perseverance, second chances, and refusing to give up on your dreams.
Sam Darnold, the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, was once labeled one of the biggest quarterback busts in recent memory. His struggles with the New York Jets from 2018-2020 were well-documented: poor decision-making, inability to read NFL defenses, and a supporting cast that did him no favors. A brief stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2021 didn’t improve his reputation.
Then came his resurrection. Darnold signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 as Trey Lance’s backup, and when Lance struggled, Darnold became Brock Purdy’s backup. He reached Super Bowl LVIII with the 49ers, though he didn’t play. In 2024, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings and finally showed flashes of the quarterback everyone thought he could become.
When Seattle offered him a three-year deal in March 2025, it seemed like a gamble. Could Darnold be the long-term answer at quarterback? Would he crumble under pressure in a big market? The doubts were real.
But here’s what makes Darnold’s story so special: he never stopped believing in himself. Throughout the 2025 season, he displayed the poise, decision-making, and leadership that had been missing earlier in his career. Against the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, he didn’t need to be spectacular – he just needed to be smart, and that’s exactly what he delivered.
His final stat line (19-of-38 for 202 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions, 74.7 passer rating) won’t make any highlight reels, but it represents something far more important: a quarterback who understood his role in a defensive-minded game plan and executed it flawlessly.
When the final whistle blew, cameras captured Darnold overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face as he embraced teammates. Former NFL players and colleagues flooded social media with congratulations:
“My boy Sam a SuperBowl Champion 🥶” – Robbie Anderson (Source)
Even Russell Wilson, Seattle’s legendary former quarterback, congratulated his successors: “Go Hawks! 🏆🏆” (Source)
Darnold’s journey proves that NFL careers aren’t linear. Sometimes you need the right coaching, the right system, and the right teammates to unlock your potential. His Super Bowl victory validates every practice rep, every film session, and every moment when he could have given up but chose to keep fighting.
Looking Ahead: Super Bowl 2027 Predictions and Early Favorites
The confetti from Super Bowl LX barely finished falling before sports analysts started handicapping next year’s championship race. While it’s impossibly early to make concrete predictions, here’s what we know about Super Bowl 2027 and the teams positioning themselves for championship runs.
Super Bowl LXI Details:
- Date: February 14, 2027 (Valentine’s Day Sunday)
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Significance: This will be the second Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium, following Super Bowl LVI in 2022
Early Championship Favorites:
After analyzing the current landscape, here are the teams most likely to compete for Super Bowl LXI:
Seattle Seahawks (Repeat Champions?): With Sam Darnold under contract through 2027, Kenneth Walker III entering his prime, and that dominant defense returning most of its key pieces, the Seahawks are immediately favorites to return. Championship windows in the NFL are narrow, and Seattle knows they need to capitalize while this roster is together.
Kansas City Chiefs (The Usual Suspects): As long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy, the Chiefs will be championship contenders. They’ve proven they can retool and reload, and if they address their receiving corps weaknesses, they’ll be right back in the mix.
Baltimore Ravens (Loaded and Motivated): Lamar Jackson and the Ravens were disappointed with their playoff exit this year. With one of the league’s most complete rosters, they’ll enter 2027 as legitimate contenders.
San Francisco 49ers (Talent Overload): The 49ers keep knocking on the door but can’t quite break through. Their roster remains stacked with Pro Bowl talent at nearly every position. Eventually, the pieces will align.
Dark Horse Contenders:
New England Patriots: Drake Maye’s performance, despite the loss, showed he’s the real deal. With another offseason to develop chemistry with his receivers and add pieces through the draft, the Patriots could accelerate their rebuild faster than expected.
Los Angeles Rams: If they can stay healthy, the Rams have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone. Matthew Stafford may not have many years left, creating urgency for 2027.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills have been “almost there” for several years. With the right playoff bracket, they could finally break through.
What Could Change Everything:
Keep an eye on these factors that could completely reshape the 2027 championship race:
- NFL Media Rights Negotiations: Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated the league might renegotiate its $111 billion media rights deal as early as 2026, potentially adding billions more and changing how games are distributed.
- Quarterback Movement: The 2026 offseason could see significant quarterback carousel action, with veterans like Aaron Rodgers potentially retiring and teams trading up for rookie quarterbacks.
- Rule Changes: The NFL continues tweaking rules to increase scoring and player safety. Any significant changes could benefit certain team styles over others.
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The Coaching Storylines That Shaped Super Bowl LX
While players get most of the glory, Super Bowl LX featured fascinating coaching matchups that directly influenced the game’s outcome.
Mike Macdonald: Defense Wins Championships
At just 37 years old, Mike Macdonald became one of the youngest head coaches to win a Super Bowl. His journey from Michigan defensive coordinator to Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator to Seattle Seahawks head coach took less than five years, showcasing how quickly brilliant minds rise in the NFL.
What makes Macdonald’s defensive philosophy so effective? He combines aggressive pressure packages with sound coverage principles, creating confusion for opposing quarterbacks. Against Drake Maye, his game plan was simple but devastatingly effective: bring pressure from different angles on every play, force quick decisions, and don’t let the Patriots’ talented receivers get comfortable.
The results spoke for themselves: six sacks, two interceptions, three total turnovers, and zero points allowed in the first three quarters.
Mike Vrabel: Building for the Future
Mike Vrabel’s return to New England as head coach after successful years with the Tennessee Titans was viewed as a homecoming. A three-time Super Bowl champion as a Patriots linebacker under Bill Belichick, Vrabel understands the organization’s culture better than almost anyone.
That he got this Patriots team to the Super Bowl in his first year exceeded all expectations. Most analysts predicted a 6-8 win season at best, yet Vrabel got them to 14-3 in the regular season and navigated through the playoffs to reach the championship.
While the Super Bowl result disappointed, Vrabel established that the Patriots’ rebuild wouldn’t take years – they’re already competitive. With Drake Maye as their franchise quarterback and Vrabel’s proven ability to develop players, New England’s future looks bright.
Key Social Media Moments and Viral Content
Social media exploded during and after Super Bowl LX. Here are the moments that went viral and the posts everyone was sharing:
Championship Celebration Posts:
The NFL’s official account captured the moment: “THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS ARE SUPER BOWL LX CHAMPIONS 🏆” (NFL Twitter)
The Seahawks’ celebratory tweet was simple but perfect: “SUPER BOWL LX CHAMPIONS ‼️” (Seahawks Twitter)
MVP Celebration:
Kenneth Walker III’s alma mater went wild: “K9 SUPER BOWL MVP ‼️” (Michigan State Football)
Russell Wilson’s Congratulations:
The legendary former Seahawks QB showed class: “Go Hawks! 🏆🏆” (Russell Wilson)
Tyler Lockett’s Enthusiasm:
Another former Seahawk celebrated: “Congrats Seahawks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats Hawks Nation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” (Tyler Lockett)
The Bad Bunny Debate:
Various celebrities and athletes shared their takes on the controversial halftime show, making it one of the most discussed performances in Super Bowl history.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What was the final score of Super Bowl 2026?
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX, played on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The game was much more dominant than the final score suggests, with Seattle leading 9-0 at halftime and 12-0 after three quarters. The Patriots didn’t score until the fourth quarter when the game was essentially decided. Seattle’s defense controlled the game from start to finish, sacking Drake Maye six times and forcing three turnovers. Jason Myers was perfect on five field goal attempts, which proved crucial in building the early lead that New England couldn’t overcome.
Q: Who won Super Bowl MVP 2026?
Kenneth Walker III, the Seattle Seahawks’ running back, won Super Bowl LX MVP. He rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries and added two receptions for 26 yards, totaling 161 yards from scrimmage. Walker became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP since Terrell Davis in 1998, ending a 28-year drought at the position.
His performance was dominant throughout the game, as he consistently broke tackles, made explosive plays, and controlled the game’s tempo. Walker is one of only three players in Super Bowl history to have multiple runs of over 25 yards in a single game. His ability to keep the chains moving kept Seattle’s offense on the field and gave their dominant defense time to rest.
Q: Who performed at the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show?
Bad Bunny headlined the Super Bowl LX halftime show, becoming the first Spanish-language artist to do so. His nearly 13-minute performance featured hits from his latest album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” including “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Yo Perreo Sola.
” He brought out surprise guests Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, and featured cameos from athletes including boxers Emiliano Vargas and Xander Zayas, plus Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, and Jessica Alba also appeared. The performance generated significant controversy, with some celebrating it as a groundbreaking cultural moment while others, including President Trump, criticized it. The finale featured Bad Bunny walking off stage with a football while dancers followed behind him carrying flags from various North and South American countries.
Q: Where was Super Bowl 2026 played?
Super Bowl LX was played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers. This marked the second time Levi’s Stadium has hosted the Super Bowl, previously hosting Super Bowl 50 in 2016 when the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers. The stadium, which opened in 2014, holds 68,500 people for football games and is located in the heart of Silicon Valley. The San Francisco Bay Area was an appropriate location for this matchup, as it created easy travel for Seattle Seahawks fans coming down the West Coast. The weather was perfect for football, with temperatures in the mid-60s Fahrenheit and clear skies throughout the game.
Q: What were the most popular Super Bowl commercials in 2026?
The most talked-about commercials from Super Bowl 2026 included the “He Gets Us” campaign’s fourth consecutive Super Bowl ad titled “More,” which focused on materialism and finding deeper meaning in life. William Shatner’s hilarious Raisin Bran commercial where he played a character named “Will Shat” went viral for its clever humor and self-awareness.
Kendall Jenner’s controversial FanDuel ad that referenced the “Kardashian Curse” and her basketball-playing exes generated significant buzz. Toyota’s emotional “Superhero Belt” commercial about generational connections through car safety touched hearts, while Lady Gaga’s rendition of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood promoted unity and community. Overall, 2026’s commercials were notable for playing it safe, emphasizing nostalgia and universal themes rather than controversial political statements.
Q: How did Sam Darnold perform in Super Bowl 2026?
Sam Darnold had a game-manager performance that was exactly what Seattle needed from their quarterback. He completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards, one touchdown, and crucially, zero interceptions, finishing with a 74.7 passer rating. While these numbers won’t impress anyone in a vacuum, Darnold’s performance was perfect for Seattle’s defensive-minded game plan.
He didn’t force anything, made smart decisions with the football, and let Kenneth Walker III and the defense do the heavy lifting. His 16-yard touchdown pass to Austin Barner in the fourth quarter essentially sealed the game. For a quarterback once labeled a bust after struggling with the Jets and Panthers, winning the Super Bowl represented a remarkable career resurrection and validation of his perseverance and talent when placed in the right system.
Q: What happened to Drake Maye in the Super Bowl?
Drake Maye, the Patriots’ 22-year-old quarterback, faced the toughest challenge of his young career against Seattle’s top-ranked defense. He finished 27-of-43 for 295 yards, two touchdowns, but three costly turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble). Seattle’s defense sacked him six times for 43 yards lost and hit him 11 total times, constantly pressuring him into rushed decisions. Despite the three turnovers, Maye showed toughness and resilience, throwing touchdown passes to Mack Hollins (35 yards) and Rhamondre Stevenson (7 yards) in the fourth quarter. While this game didn’t go his way, most analysts believe Maye’s future remains bright and that experiencing the Super Bowl at such a young age will only help his development as a franchise quarterback.
Q: When and where is Super Bowl 2027?
Super Bowl LXI will be played on February 14, 2027 (Valentine’s Day Sunday) at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This will be the second Super Bowl held at SoFi Stadium, which previously hosted Super Bowl LVI in 2022 when the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.
The state-of-the-art stadium, which opened in 2020 and cost approximately $5.5 billion to build, is home to both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. The venue features a translucent roof and can accommodate over 70,000 fans for football games, with the ability to expand to 100,000 for special events. Holding the Super Bowl on Valentine’s Day could create interesting dynamics for couples and date-night plans, and restaurants in Los Angeles are already preparing special promotions for the unique date.
Key Takeaways: What Super Bowl LX Taught Us
As the dust settles on another incredible NFL season, here are the most important lessons and insights from Super Bowl LX:
Defense still wins championships. In an era where passing records fall every season and offensive fireworks dominate highlights, Seattle proved that a dominant defense can still shut down even the most talented offenses. Their six sacks, two interceptions, and three forced turnovers were the difference-makers.
Running backs matter more than analytics suggest. Kenneth Walker III’s MVP performance challenges the modern NFL wisdom that running backs are replaceable. When you have an elite back who can control the clock, break explosive plays, and impose physical will on defenses, you have a weapon that can win championships.
Young quarterbacks need time to develop. Drake Maye showed incredible promise despite the loss, but facing the NFL’s best defense in the Super Bowl at age 22 was a baptism by fire. The experience will serve him well, but it’s a reminder that expecting instant success from rookie quarterbacks isn’t realistic.
Career resurrections are possible. Sam Darnold’s journey from bust to champion should inspire every player who’s ever been written off. With the right coaching, the right system, and unwavering belief in yourself, you can rewrite your story.
Cultural representation in entertainment is evolving. Bad Bunny’s halftime show, regardless of how you felt about it, represents a changing America where Latino culture plays an increasingly prominent role in mainstream entertainment. The controversy itself sparked important conversations.
Coaching matters enormously. Mike Macdonald’s defensive game plan was brilliant, and his ability to get his team prepared for the biggest stage in sports showcased why young, innovative coaches are increasingly getting head coaching opportunities.
The Patriots’ rebuild is ahead of schedule. Most teams take 3-5 years to rebuild after losing franchise icons. Mike Vrabel got the Patriots to the Super Bowl in Year 1. While they came up short, the future looks incredibly bright with Drake Maye developing under Vrabel’s leadership.
Conclusion: A Super Bowl That Delivered Drama, History, and Unforgettable Moments
Super Bowl LX will be remembered for many reasons: Kenneth Walker III’s historic MVP performance, Sam Darnold’s redemption arc, Seattle’s defensive dominance, Bad Bunny’s controversial halftime show, and the Seahawks’ revenge against the Patriots eleven years after that heartbreaking goal-line interception.
But perhaps what made this Super Bowl most special was the reminder that sports give us stories that matter. Stories about second chances, about perseverance, about believing in yourself when everyone else has given up on you. Sam Darnold lifting that Lombardi Trophy represented something bigger than football – it represented the possibility of redemption for anyone who’s ever been counted out.
For Patriots fans, the disappointment is real, but so is the hope. Drake Maye showed he belongs on the biggest stage, and with Mike Vrabel building the culture, New England’s championship window is just opening.
As we look ahead to Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium on Valentine’s Day 2027, one thing is certain: the NFL continues to deliver the most compelling drama in sports. The question now is whether the Seahawks can build a dynasty, whether the Patriots can come back stronger, and which unexpected team will emerge as the next championship contender.
What did you think of Super Bowl LX? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Were you surprised by Seattle’s dominance? What was your favorite commercial? How did you feel about Bad Bunny’s halftime performance?
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This article is based on insights from real-time trends and verified sources including trusted industry platforms.
