Super Bowl 2026: Seahawks ride defence, Kenneth Walker to win championship | American Football News

Seattle Seahawks produce a dominant defensive display to outmuscle the New England Patriots 29-13.

The Seattle Seahawks relied on a relentless defence to beat New England 29-13 in Super Bowl LX, denying the Patriots an NFL record seventh ⁠championship and avenging a loss to the same opponents in the title game 11 years ago.

The NFL showpiece – enlivened by a joyous half-time performance from Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny – largely failed to deliver in terms of thrills on the pitch at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday.

Seattle sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye six times – including one that resulted in a fumble returned for a late touchdown – and got five Jason Myers field goals, while Sam Darnold connected with AJ Barner for a touchdown.

Preseason longshots Seattle received the ball to start the game, ⁠and went on an eight-play drive that set up a 33-yard Myers field goal for the opening score.

Myers doubled the Seattle lead in the second quarter from 39 yards and connected from 41 yards in the closing seconds of an opening half during which the Patriots punted on all five of their possessions.

A costly Maye fumble late in the third quarter led to the 16-yard Barner touchdown five plays later.

But the Patriots, ‌who had not had a snap inside the Seattle 43-yard line all game, responded immediately with a touchdown drive of their own as Maye connected with Mack Hollins on a 35-yard scoring play to ‌cut into the Seattle lead with just over 12 minutes to play.

After being pinned to their 4-yard line by a ‌55-yard punt from Australian Michael Dickson, the Patriots’ ensuing ⁠drive ended abruptly when a Maye pass intended for Kyle Williams was intercepted by Julian Love, leading to another Myers field goal and a 22-7 Seattle lead.

The Seahawks then put the game out of reach with ‌a strip sack of Maye, which saw Uchenna Nwosu scoop up the loose ball and return it 44 yards for the score.

Maye connected with Rhamondre Stevenson for a late touchdown to get New England within 16 points, but the Patriots failed to recover the ensuing onside kick as Seattle went on to victory.

Walker wins MVP

Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after rushing for 135 yards ⁠on 27 carries.

Walker became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP since Denver’s Terrell ⁠Davis in 1998.

“Winning, it’s just a dream come true, because a lot of people play their whole career and never make it this far,” the 25-year-old told Sunday Night Football.

Walker’s performance, averaging 5 yards per carry with a long run of 30 yards, proved decisive ‌as Seattle claimed its second Super Bowl title.