Sam Darnold has pocketed a £1million bonus after guiding the Seattle Seahawks to a comprehensive 29-13 triumph over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium.
The quarterback, whose early professional career saw him written off by many observers, completed an extraordinary personal transformation by lifting the championship trophy.
Darnold’s performance was workmanlike rather than spectacular, finishing with 19 completions from 38 attempts for 202 yards and a single touchdown.
Yet statistical brilliance was never required from the signal-caller on American football’s biggest stage.
Seattle’s victory represented the culmination of a turbulent NFL journey for Darnold, delivering a result that once appeared entirely beyond reach.
Jason Myers delivered a historic kicking display, slotting five field goals to set a new Super Bowl record.
The veteran placekicker opened proceedings with a 33-yard effort and had already converted three attempts by half-time as Seattle established a 9-0 advantage.
Sam Darnold has pocketed a £1million bonus after guiding the Seattle Seahawks to a comprehensive 29-13 triumph over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium
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REUTERS
Myers added two further successful kicks after the interval, his reliable boot proving instrumental in maintaining scoreboard pressure throughout the contest.
Running back Kenneth Walker III provided the offensive engine, carrying the ball 25 times for an impressive 131 yards.
His powerful ground game consistently moved the chains and kept Seattle’s attack ticking over, breaking off substantial gains that sustained momentum when the passing game stuttered.
Sam Darnold finished the Super Bowl with 19 completions from 38 attempts for 202 yards and a single touchdown
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REUTERS
The combination of Myers’ accuracy and Walker’s relentless rushing proved decisive in controlling proceedings.
Devon Witherspoon dominated proceedings from his cornerback position, appearing seemingly everywhere as Seattle’s defensive unit suffocated New England’s attack.
The Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye endured a torrid evening under constant harassment, with Seattle’s pressure repeatedly leaving New England facing unfavourable situations that resulted in punts.
The defensive masterpiece reached its peak in the fourth quarter when Uchenna Nwosu intercepted and returned the ball for a touchdown, effectively ending any hopes of a Patriots comeback.
Witherspoon’s disruptive presence had created the chaos that led to the turnover, capping a performance that epitomised Seattle’s aggressive defensive approach.
New England found themselves unable to establish any rhythm against a unit that refused to yield territory cheaply.
Sam Darnold became the first quarterback to win the Super Bowl after playing for more than four teams
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GETTYSeattle’s control was evident from the outset, with the Seahawks holding a commanding 9-0 lead at the break while Walker accumulated significant yardage on the ground.
Darnold’s sole touchdown came early in the final period when he rolled right and floated a 16-yard pass to tight end AJ Barner, extending the advantage to 19-0.
New England briefly threatened when Maye found Mack Hollins for a quick score, but Seattle’s defence immediately snuffed out any revival hopes.
The Patriots managed a late consolation touchdown, though the outcome had long been settled.
For Darnold, years spent battling perceptions from his difficult early career finally gave way to ultimate vindication, with the championship representing his true reward.
