Every February, the Super Bowl becomes more than just a final game–it turns into a special moment that unites people, and deepens their passions, all around the U.S. For many people, the Super Bowl is not just about American football, but about coming together with friends and family through watch parties, the halftime show, and the many commercials. Even those who do not normally follow the NFL tune in, making it a shared and exciting, unforgettable experience across the country. This year, on Feb. 8, 2026, the Seattle Seahawks faced the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX (60).
Beyond the teams on the field, the Super Bowl is known for its traditions and performances dating back all the way to 1967. The national anthem this year was sung by music artist Charlie Puth but there was also another song sung at the start “Lift Every Voice and Sing” sung by Coco Jones, widely known as the Black national anthem and is part of the NFL’S commitment to social justice. Another performer was Brandi Carlie, who sang “America the Beautiful”. . The meaning behind the song is to celebrate the history and ideals of the United States. This year the Super bowl half time show was hosted by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. He was accompanied by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, as well as others such as Karol G, Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, and Alix Earle, who were shown as cameos during the performance. But his show had a deeper meaning: it was a way to represent all people and try to help them become united. At the end of the show they shared a powerful message reading, “the only thing more powerful than hate is love”. Bad Bunny‘s music is predominantly in Spanish, which caused some controversy given the current political climate in the U.S. Some people disagreed with the choice for this year’s half time singer, and he was receiving harsh backlash from many, so there was a second halftime show hosted by Turning Point USA. Turning Point USA is an American nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative politics. This half time show was all about “faith, family, freedom” and also used as a tribute, called “All American” half time show. The featured artists in this show were Kid Rock who sang “Bawitdaba” and “Till you can’t” (Cody Johnson cover), Brantley Gilbert who sang “Real American” and “Dirt Road Anthem”, Gabby Barrett who sang “I Hope” and “The Good Ones” and finally Lee Brice who sang “Drinking Class”, “Hard To Love” and “Country Nowadays”. The show was opened by the song “The Star-Spangled Banner” on an electric guitar.
As the Super Bowl causes nationwide excitement, many fans are safely expressing their support for their favorite team. However, there have been more extreme reactions from fans recently. According to Fox 13 Seattle, a group of masked thieves broke into a store on First Avenue in Seattle selling Seahawks merchandise. At around four a.m. on Feb. 1, the three suspects broke into the store. Camera footage revealed a quick, targeted theft of nearly $50,000 worth of football jerseys and other fan gear. Additionally, the robbery caused an estimated $2,300 in damages to the shop itself, before fleeing the scene before police could arrive. Currently, the Seattle Police are investigating deeper into the crime, and are searching for the three criminals.
Moments like these reveal just how intense and passionate fans can be, loyalty shaped by years of competition between the Seahawks and Patriots. According to The Sports Hub, their first ever meeting in the NFL was on Oct. 9, 1977, where the Patriots beat the Seahawks 31-0. They met again on Oct. 17, 2004, where the Patriots once again, beat the Seahawks 30-20. But, on Oct. 14, 2012, during a semifinal game, Russel Wilson (former Seahawks quarterback), threw a miracle play, leading the Seahawks to a victory, 24-23. The real test of this rivalry came on Feb. 1, 2015, where both teams were playing in Super bowl XLIX (49). In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks were leading 24-14, until Tom Brady entered his comeback mode, leading the Patriots to come up with a late 28-24 lead in the final minutes of the game. The game was not over yet, as in the final minute the Seahawks were on the Patriots 1-yard line, and instead of giving the ball to running back Marshawn Lynch, Seattle decided to throw the ball. Patriots undrafted rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler read the play, and intercepted right at the goal line. The game ended with a Patriots win and a Seahawks loss. The last time they were against each other was on Nov. 13, 2016, and this match was labeled as a ‘rematch’. The
The Seahawks did win this game 31-24 in the end, after a throw from Tom Brady fell incomplete. Now, a decade later, both these teams met again in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026—a game shaped by unforgettable battles and unfinished business.
This intense rivalry and history has influenced how fans feel today, specifically which team IHS teachers and students are rooting for, and their reasoning behind it. Before the game, junior Alex Solinsky stated that she would be cheering for the Seahawks at this year’s Super bowl. She grew up in Issaquah, where she has always participated in the local sports culture, and supported the local teams such as the Seahawks. Health teacher Ty Gearreald, was also supporting the Seahawks. “Before I moved to Issaquah, I had always been a Patriots fan.” However, when he moved to the Seattle area, he became a big fan of the local teams, and was thrilled to be able to support Seattle’s local team on the national field at the 60th Super Bowl. Thankfully, their hopes were realized in the results of the game.
In the end, the Seahawks beat the Patriots 29-13 in the Super bowl, winning with hard work and persistence. This win made it the second time the Seahawks ever won a Super bowl, and the first in over a decade. The Patriots did have good coverage on our hawks main players, such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR), and Rashid Shaheed (WR), but those efforts weren’t enough to stop the Seahawks. On the other hand, the Seahawks had amazing defense, and great pressure on the Patriots quarterback, Drake Maye. Nicknamed “The Dark Side”, the Seahawks defense plowed through anything that was in front of them, giving them the win.. .
As the final whistle blew and the Seahawks celebrated their victory, happy emotions were felt all across Seattle, and within our IHS community. Solinsky added that, “I was excited about the win, as I have followed along with the Seahawks for many years.” To finally see their efforts come to fruition was an incredible experience for her. Gearreald also stated that he was happy with the results, and greatly enjoyed watching the game with his friends. He loved to see the community’s reaction, and how people came together to celebrate Seattle’s win. In the end, Super bowl LX proved again that American football has the power to go beyond the game; creating unforgettable moments that fans will remember for years to come.
