By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
This year’s Super Bowl was defined by a smothering defensive performance, as Seattle’s “Dark Side” proved too much for a franchise once known as the NFL’s “Evil Empire.”
The Seattle Seahawks overwhelmed the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California, securing a 29-13 victory and the second championship in franchise history.
Seattle came close to delivering the first shutout in Super Bowl history, holding New England scoreless through three quarters. The Seahawks recorded six sacks — just one shy of the Super Bowl record — and consistently disrupted the Patriots’ offense from start to finish.
Coach Mike Macdonald’s defense powered Seattle to the NFC’s top playoff seed this season. But its dominant performance on football’s biggest stage may stand as the unit’s crowning achievement.
Walker’s Journey to MVP
Offensively, Seattle leaned heavily on running back Kenneth Walker III and kicker Jason Myers. Walker accounted for more than 150 yards from scrimmage and earned Super Bowl MVP honors, while Myers converted five field goals — a Super Bowl record — to keep the scoreboard moving.
Walker called the moment “surreal,” reflecting on the journey that brought him there.
“If I would have told myself as a kid, I wouldn’t have guessed that I would be the one to win the MVP,” Walker told reporters after the game. “So it’s a surreal moment.”
In high school, Walker was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs — a frightening setback that appeared to end his football career. After seeking additional medical opinions, he was prescribed blood thinners and eventually cleared to return to the field.
“When a doctor told me I couldn’t play no more, I just thought football was over,” he said. “It was a shocking moment. But my dad worked with me throughout that whole process. He was in the hospital with me, and my mom, too.”
His performance Sunday night was a testament not only to talent, but to perseverance.
Veteran Leadership and Steady Play
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp added to his championship résumé with his second Super Bowl title. The 32-year-old Yakima, Washington, native — who was Super Bowl MVP in 2022 with the Los Angeles Rams — led the Seahawks with six receptions for 61 yards.
“Cooper is an absolute force multiplier, an absolute stud of a person, stud of a teammate,” Macdonald said. “This should send him to the Hall of Fame, in my opinion. Super Bowl MVP, two-time champion, all-time great teammate.”
Quarterback Sam Darnold, a former USC standout, continued his mistake-free postseason run. After leading the league with 20 turnovers during the regular season, Darnold did not commit a turnover in three playoff games.
He finished 19 of 38 for 202 yards and a 16-yard touchdown pass to tight end AJ Barner, with no interceptions. The Patriots blitzed on more than half of Seattle’s dropbacks, attempting to rattle him, but Darnold consistently got the ball out quickly or used his mobility to escape pressure.
Defense Seals the Deal
The Seahawks appeared to break the game open late in the third quarter when Derick Hall strip-sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Byron Murphy II recovered the fumble, and five plays later Barner hauled in the game’s first touchdown.
Maye answered with two deep completions to wide receiver Mack Hollins, including a 35-yard touchdown that spoiled Seattle’s shutout bid. But any hopes of a comeback were short-lived. On the ensuing possession, Maye lofted an interception to safety Julian Love.
In the fourth quarter, edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu delivered the exclamation point — returning an interception 45 yards for a touchdown off heavy pressure generated by cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who was a disruptive force throughout the night.
For Seattle, it was more than a championship win. It was a statement — built on defense, resilience and a running back who once feared his football dreams were over, now standing at the pinnacle of the sport.