Revenge, redemption & illustration - the story of Tremendous Bowl 60

[ad_1] A shot at historical past, a scrumptious probability for revenge and a half-time present assured to rankle the president.

Tremendous Bowl 60 had loads of narratives to go at.

This is how a thunderous night in California panned out.

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Seahawks get revenge as Darnold completes redemption arc When these sides final met within the Tremendous Bowl in 2015, Seattle had the prospect to win within the ultimate minute however selected to go as a substitute of run it in from one yard.

Patriots security Malcolm Butler famously intercepted and the Seahawks have been stewing on a painful defeat for 11 years.

These recollections will make this complete victory all of the sweeter.

That Seattle crew was characterised by its 'Legion of Increase' defence - immensely bodily and gifted athletes that dominated their opposition all around the discipline.

The unit that head coach Mike Macdonald and British defensive coordinator Aden Durde have put collectively, dubbed 'The Darkish Aspect', has arguably eclipsed even that legendary group.

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Maintaining the Patriots scoreless for 3 quarters appeared virtually humane in contrast with how they responded when their opponents confirmed some indicators of life.

Following New England lastly getting a landing, the Seahawks intercepted on the subsequent play to kill momentum. Then, on the next drive, Devon Witherspoon compelled quarterback Drake Maye right into a fumble that led to a defensive landing.

With the third youngest head coach to win the Tremendous Bowl and the prospect of a possible franchise sale for billions of {dollars}, the longer term seems to be shiny for the Seahawks.

Earlier than the beginning of final season, Sam Darnold's report as a starter was gained 21, misplaced 36 [Getty Images]

Whereas the defence was dominant, and Tremendous Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker was delivering the perfect speeding numbers within the occasion for 28 years, quarterback Sam Darnold was quietly placing collectively his personal efficient sport.

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Drafted third general by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold's profession plummeted, the nadir a sport towards the Patriots the place he admitted to "seeing ghosts" within the face of their strain.

Discarded by the Jets and the Carolina Panthers, he was back-up in San Francisco earlier than getting an opportunity on the Minnesota Vikings. He led them to a 14-3 report final season solely to be let go once more after they faltered within the play-offs.

Picked up in free company, and supported by a good offensive line, Darnold has once more proved his expertise this season and right here, he quietly accrued yards and averted turnovers - beforehand the bane of his profession.

Forgotten by some, written off by most, Darnold's rise to Tremendous Bowl victory is probably probably the most satisfying storyline of this NFL season.

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Patriots fall quick in bid for report win Drake Maye discovered 253 yards of offence within the fourth quarter when the sport was successfully over [Getty Images]

For 20 years, the New England Patriots have been the dominant power within the NFL, underneath the tutelage of Invoice Belichick and on the arm of the league's most embellished quarterback Tom Brady.

Six-time champions, they sought to go away from the Pittsburgh Steelers by making it seven in Santa Clara.

Merely being on this occasion was a outstanding achievement after back-to-back four-win seasons. Former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel took the reins final summer season and has impressed a dramatic turnaround.

Key to that has been the stellar play of sophomore quarterback Maye, who completed a slender runner-up within the vote for normal season Most Worthwhile Participant to Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams.

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Hoping to make historical past because the youngest quarterback to win the Tremendous Bowl, Maye was hit six occasions and as a substitute collected an undesirable report - his 21 sacks within the post-season the worst in NFL historical past.

After solely placing up 78 yards of offence by three quarters, he at the very least discovered some juice within the ultimate quarter, throwing touchdowns to Mack Hollins and Rhamondre Stevenson.

However these late scores papered over the cracks because the Patriots have been nicely overwhelmed, and their bid for historical past placed on maintain for at the very least another 12 months.

Trump criticises Unhealthy Bunny's half-time set Having appeared on the Tremendous Bowl in 2020 with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, Unhealthy Bunny invited Girl Gaga to hitch him right here [Getty Images]

Amid protests and scrutiny over the techniques of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement company (ICE), the alternatives for leisure on the Tremendous Bowl weren't nicely obtained within the White Home.

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When Puerto Rican artist Unhealthy Bunny was introduced because the half-time act in September, right-wing media circles famous he had criticised the Trump administration's immigration insurance policies.

The next resolution to offer vocal Trump critics Inexperienced Day a slot within the pre-game leisure went down equally nicely.

Final week, when Unhealthy Bunny picked up his Grammy for Album of the 12 months, he started his acceptance speech with the phrases: "ICE out."

It prompted one conservative group to organise another half-time present, fronted by Trump ally Child Rock and the president to label the choice "completely ridiculous".

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On the best way in, anti-ICE protestors supplied towels bearing political messaging to Tremendous Bowl supporters.

Unhealthy Bunny's unapologetically Latino set, carried out throughout a brief jungle in the course of Levi's Stadium, didn't douse Republican ire however supplied loads of leisure for the 70,000 followers.

Essentially the most-streamed artist of 2025 was all bouncing vitality, flanked by a myriad of dancers and thru a whirlwind of motion and speedy lyrics, he turned the primary performer to conduct the half-time present absolutely in Spanish.

There was time to squeeze in some particular company, together with compatriot Ricky Martin and pop royalty Girl Gaga, who carried out an extract from her tune 'Die With A Smile'. In English.

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Lastly, as fireworks signalled the top of a high-octane set, Unhealthy Bunny brandished the soccer he had been carrying to indicate the phrases 'Collectively, we're America', earlier than disappearing from the sector.

President Trump, who turned the primary incumbent to attend the Tremendous Bowl final 12 months in New Orleans, was not there in individual however labelled the present "an affront to America" and "a slap within the face to our nation".

What different celebrities have been there? The Tremendous Bowl is a magnet for superstar company and few are greater than rock icon Jon Bon Jovi, who launched the New England Patriots to the group earlier than the sport.

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On the opposite facet, Hollywood actor Chris Pratt did likewise for his beloved Seahawks, whereas actors Macauley Culkin and Jessica Alba have been amongst these in attendance.

They have been joined within the stands by rappers Jay-Z and Travis Scott, in addition to Cardi B, on the town to help boyfriend and Patriots large receiver Stefon Diggs - and do some dancing alongside Unhealthy Bunny.

As for sports activities stars, tennis legend Roger Federer and seven-time world System One champion Lewis Hamilton additionally watched on from the galleries.

Lastly, embellished quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Joe Montana joined Brady for the ceremonial coin toss.

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