Super Bowl LX: Seahawks Crush Patriots as Bad Bunny's Halftime Falls Short of Records
The spectacle of Super Bowl LX delivered thrills on and off the field, but it couldn't quite eclipse last year's viewership highs. On February 9, 2026, the Seattle Seahawks steamrolled the New England Patriots 29-13 in a game that showcased defensive dominance and strategic brilliance. While the on-field action lacked the nail-biting drama of recent Super Bowls, Bad Bunny's halftime performance lit up screens across America, averaging 128.2 million viewers—impressive, yet shy of record territory.
Game Recap: Seahawks' Defense Carries the Day
The Seahawks entered Super Bowl LX as underdogs with a chip on their shoulder, fresh off a playoff run fueled by resurgence under quarterback Sam Darnold. From the opening kickoff, Seattle's elite defense set the tone, stifling the Patriots' offense and holding them scoreless through three quarters. A 12-0 halftime lead ballooned into a commanding advantage, with Seattle adding three touchdowns in the final frame to seal the 29-13 victory.
Key moments defined the game: Darnold's efficient 245-yard, two-touchdown performance without a turnover highlighted his growth, earning praise from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who declared, "My doubts are gone." But it was the defense that stole the show, with standout plays from the front seven pressuring Patriots QB into costly mistakes. This win marks Seattle's second Super Bowl title, stacking them favorably in historical rankings—ESPN's Aaron Schatz placed the 2025 Seahawks among the top 10 champions ever.
The Patriots, meanwhile, struggled with offensive cohesion, managing just 13 points in a lopsided affair. Bill Barnwell of ESPN noted five key reasons for Seattle's triumph, emphasizing that quarterback play wasn't the decider; instead, Seattle's run game and pass rush overwhelmed New England. This blowout was the second straight Super Bowl lacking late-game excitement, following Philadelphia's 40-22 rout of Kansas City in 2025.
Standout Players and Turning Points
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 112 yards and a score, while wideout DK Metcalf hauled in crucial receptions. On defense, linebacker Devon Witherspoon's interception in the end zone early on swung momentum decisively. For the Pats, despite flashes from their young core, the inability to score a touchdown until garbage time underscored offseason needs, particularly at quarterback.
Off-field narratives added depth: From premature baby to Super Bowl star, the bond between Seahawks' Tariq Woolen and teammate Devon Murphy inspired fans, as detailed by ESPN's Brady Henderson. Meanwhile, the game's lack of first-half fireworks—no touchdowns in the initial three quarters—mirrored a trend toward defensive masterclasses in the NFL.
Bad Bunny's Halftime Extravaganza: A Cultural Milestone
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, brought Latin flair to the Super Bowl stage with a 15-minute set blending reggaeton hits and high-energy visuals. From 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. ET, his performance averaged 128.2 million viewers, securing fourth place on the all-time halftime list behind Kendrick Lamar's 133.5 million (2025), Michael Jackson's 133.4 million (1993), and Usher's 129.3 million (2024).
Celebrity reactions poured in: Knicks star Jalen Brunson tweeted "Thank you Benito," while J.J. Watt called it "electrifying." Boxer Xander Zayas, who joined the show, dubbed it the "greatest experience of my entire life." Bad Bunny's set featured guest appearances and pyrotechnics, celebrating his cultural impact—though it fell short of the ratings peak set by last year's Lamar-led spectacle.
Behind-the-Scenes Buzz
Speculation swirled around celebrity sightings, including rumors of Mark Wahlberg at the game amid $23 million betting buzz. The halftime also tied into broader NFL narratives, like the Raiders' hiring of Klint Kubiak, signaling coaching shifts post-Super Bowl.
Ratings Breakdown: Record Peaks Amid Overall Dip
Averaging 124.9 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, and digital platforms, Super Bowl LX trailed last year's 127.7 million but became NBC's most-watched program ever—fitting for the network's centennial. Nielsen's data showed a peak of 137.8 million during the second quarter, shattering the prior U.S. record of 137.7 million from 2025.
This marked the fifth consecutive Super Bowl over 100 million viewers, ending a four-year streak of increases. Factors like the blowout score and competing events contributed to the dip, but the peak underscored the event's enduring appeal. Internationally, streams on NFL+ boosted global reach.
Implications for NFL Broadcasting
As the NFL eyes 2026, experts like those at ESPN predict a competitive landscape. Early power rankings place the Seahawks high, with MVP favorites emerging from their roster. Offseason challenges loom for teams like the Bills and Browns, while the Texans' defense proves elite units can carry contenders.
Looking Ahead: NFL Offseason and Legacy
Super Bowl LX cements the Seahawks' resurgence, with rings and parades on the horizon. Players' thoughts on runner-up bling reveal the grit behind the glamour, per Elizabeth Merrill. For the league, it's a pivot to 2026: Way-too-early picks favor powerhouses like the 49ers and Chiefs, but Seattle's blueprint—defense-first—could inspire copycats.
Fantasy football enthusiasts already eye defensive depth charts, while betting markets buzz with futures. As Bad Bunny's star rises post-halftime, the NFL's blend of sports and entertainment ensures Super Bowl LX's place in lore. Whether breaking records or not, it reminded fans why the big game bowls over the competition annually.
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