Super Bowl 60 Recap: Seahawks Dominate, Darnold Redeems, and Bad Bunny Electrifies
Super Bowl 60 delivered an evening packed with drama, history, and spectacle in California. From revenge-fueled football to a politically charged halftime show, the event offered something for everyone. The Seattle Seahawks claimed a resounding victory over the New England Patriots, quarterback Sam Darnold completed a remarkable redemption arc, and Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny lit up the halftime stage, leaving fans and critics talking well into the night.
Seahawks Exact Revenge and Darnold’s Redemption
The Seahawks’ triumph was as much about revenge as it was about championship glory. Eleven years ago, these two teams met in the Super Bowl, with Seattle’s chance to win slipping through their fingers in the final minute. The Seahawks opted to pass instead of running the ball from one yard, only for Patriots safety Malcolm Butler to intercept. That moment left a bitter legacy for Seattle, and the team’s victory in Super Bowl 60 now delivers a measure of catharsis.
Seattle’s defense, once renowned as the legendary Legion of Boom, set a standard for dominance. The current unit, orchestrated by head coach Mike Macdonald and British defensive coordinator Aden Durde, has been dubbed “The Dark Side” and arguably surpasses even its famed predecessor. The Patriots were held scoreless for the first three quarters, and any attempts to regain momentum were immediately countered. When New England finally scored, the Seahawks intercepted the following play, and on the next drive, Devon Witherspoon forced a fumble from Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, returned for a defensive touchdown.
Seattle’s victory also highlighted the brilliance of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, who posted the best rushing performance in 28 years. While the defense commanded attention, quarterback Sam Darnold quietly delivered a masterclass in efficiency. Once a top-three pick for the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold’s career had seen dramatic highs and lows, including a disastrous game against the Patriots where he admitted to “seeing ghosts” under pressure. After stints with the Carolina Panthers and as a backup in San Francisco, Darnold joined the Minnesota Vikings and led them to a 14-3 record before being released following a playoff disappointment.
Now, with the Seahawks and solid offensive protection, Darnold displayed poise and productivity, accumulating yards while avoiding turnovers that had previously haunted him. Forgotten by some and doubted by many, Darnold’s journey from struggling talent to Super Bowl champion represents one of the season’s most satisfying storylines.
Patriots’ Hopes for History Fall Short
The Patriots, led by coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye, aimed to make NFL history. With six Super Bowl titles under their belt, they sought a seventh championship to surpass the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their journey to the Super Bowl was impressive, considering the team’s struggles in previous seasons, finishing with just four wins back-to-back.
Maye, a sophomore quarterback, had shone during the regular season, narrowly missing out on MVP honors to Matthew Stafford. Aiming to become the youngest Super Bowl-winning QB, Maye faced relentless pressure in California, enduring 21 sacks across the postseason, an NFL record. The Patriots’ offense struggled to gain traction, putting up just 78 yards in the first three quarters. Late touchdowns to Mack Hollins and Rhamondre Stevenson added points, but they could not offset Seattle’s dominance, leaving New England’s historic bid unfulfilled.
Bad Bunny and the Halftime Spectacle
Off the field, the Super Bowl also made headlines with politically charged entertainment choices. Controversy surrounded the selection of Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny as the halftime performer, following his vocal criticism of US immigration policies. Conservative media outlets and political figures, including former President Donald Trump, criticized the choice, while a group of Trump supporters organized an alternative show featuring Kid Rock.
Despite the political tension, Bad Bunny delivered an electrifying performance in Levi’s Stadium, set amidst a jungle-themed stage. He became the first artist to perform a Super Bowl halftime show entirely in Spanish. With dancers, intricate choreography, and rapid-fire lyrics, the 2025 most-streamed artist captivated an audience of 70,000. Special guests included Ricky Martin and pop superstar Lady Gaga, who performed a segment of her song Die With A Smile in English.
At the show’s conclusion, Bad Bunny held a football displaying the message “Together, we are America”, providing a unifying statement amid political discourse. While conservative critics remained irate, the crowd’s energy reflected the success of his high-octane set.
Celebrity Attendance
The Super Bowl once again drew an array of high-profile celebrities. Jon Bon Jovi introduced the Patriots, while actor Chris Pratt presented the Seahawks. Macaulay Culkin and Jessica Alba were among other attendees, alongside rappers Jay-Z, Travis Scott, and Cardi B, who supported boyfriend and Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Sports legends like tennis star Roger Federer and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton also watched from the stands, while legendary quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Joe Montana joined Tom Brady for the ceremonial coin toss.
A Night of Storylines and Impact
Super Bowl 60 was more than a championship game. It was a narrative of revenge, redemption, and cultural significance. The Seahawks’ win ended an 11-year-old grudge, Darnold’s redemption highlighted perseverance, and Bad Bunny’s halftime show underscored the intersection of sport and social commentary. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ pursuit of NFL history reminded fans of the league’s enduring legacies.
From the gridiron to the stage, Super Bowl 60 offered unforgettable moments and proof that the spectacle extends far beyond the final whistle. Seattle now celebrates triumph, New England must regroup, and Darnold has cemented his place as the season’s inspirational figure.
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