Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, is shaping up to be a clash for the ages, with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks rekindling a rivalry that still stings for many fans. Memories of Malcolm Butler’s legendary goal-line interception in Super Bowl XLIX loom large over this matchup, a play that still defines the Patriots’ legacy and haunts Seattle faithful. But as the teams prepared to battle for football’s ultimate prize on February 8, 2026, the storylines swirling around Levi’s Stadium were about more than just the stars. This year, all eyes are on the unsung heroes—players poised to seize their moment, just as Butler did eleven years ago.
In a move that felt like a calculated jab, the Patriots brought out Malcolm Butler himself to ring the ceremonial bell ahead of kickoff, a tradition usually reserved for home games in Foxboro. The sight of Butler, forever etched in NFL lore for picking off Russell Wilson and sealing a 28-24 win in Super Bowl XLIX, was a pointed reminder to the Seahawks and their fans of what can happen in the game’s dying seconds. According to reports, the Patriots’ social media team was quick to share the moment, dubbing Butler the “Keeper of the Light.” If you’re a Seahawks fan, that’s got to sting a little.
Not to be outdone, the Seahawks recreated their own iconic tradition by having Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent raise the 12 flag just before the game. The energy was electric, with celebrity sightings, a dramatic flyover, and NFL legend Joe Montana delivering the coin toss—all before a single snap was played. The stage was set for drama, and the sense in the air was that anyone—just anyone—might step up and change the course of history.
Malcolm Butler himself weighed in on who might play the hero for New England this time. His pick? Marcus Jones. “It can happen to anybody, but I’d say Marcus Jones,” Butler said in a pregame interview. That’s high praise from a man whose name is synonymous with Super Bowl heroics. And it’s not without reason—Jones has been a revelation for the Patriots this season. On defense and special teams, he’s been everywhere: 65 total tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery, 11 passes defended, and three interceptions in the regular season, one of which he returned for a touchdown. The postseason has only seen him raise his game further, with 14 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, four passes defended, and another pick-six. If another last-minute miracle is needed, Marcus Jones is certainly one to watch.
Jones isn’t the only player with Alabama roots making waves. In fact, Super Bowl LX features a remarkable thirteen players who played high school or college football in Alabama. Among them are Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore, cornerback Carlton Davis, tight end CJ Dippre, linebacker Anfernee Jennings, and safety Dell Pettus. The Seahawks counter with talents like outside linebacker Derick Hall, running back Velus Jones Jr., quarterback Jalen Milroe, fullback Robbie Ouzts, cornerback Josh Jobe, cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, and defensive lineman Jarran Reed. The pipeline from Alabama to the NFL’s biggest stage is as strong as ever, and history suggests one of these players could make the difference when it matters most.
Of course, the legend of the unexpected Super Bowl hero is alive and well. CBS Sports ran a feature ahead of the game, pointing to Butler’s rise from undrafted rookie to instant icon as the blueprint for others. For the Patriots, running back Rhamondre Stevenson is pegged as a potential breakout—not just for his ground game, but for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Stevenson hauled in 32 catches for 345 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season, and he’s added 86 receiving yards in the playoffs. The Seahawks have struggled to contain running backs in the passing game, surrendering the most receptions and sixth-most receiving yards to the position. If Stevenson gets loose, he could be the X-factor New England needs.
Tight end Austin Hooper is another name to remember. While Hunter Henry draws most of the attention, Hooper has quietly averaged 12.5 yards per catch this year. With the Seahawks’ defense giving up the fifth-most receptions and sixth-most yards to tight ends, Hooper’s homecoming—he’s a San Mateo native and Stanford alum—could have a storybook ending if he finds the end zone.
Then there’s Khyiris Tonga, an underrated free-agent signing who’s made his presence felt along the Patriots’ defensive line. Tonga has tallied six tackles, two quarterback hits, and a sack this postseason, and coaches have even lined him up at tight end or fullback in special packages. Could offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels have a surprise in store, perhaps a goal-line play that catches Seattle off guard? Stranger things have happened in the Super Bowl, and Tonga could become a Boston folk hero overnight.
For Seattle, the search for a Butler-like hero leads to a few intriguing candidates. Rookie tight end Colston Barner, drafted in the fourth round out of Michigan, finished the regular season second on the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns. While his playoff numbers have been modest so far, the Patriots’ defense has at times struggled against tight ends, making Barner a sneaky threat for a big play. Defensive back Emmanwori, despite battling an ankle injury in practice this week, is expected to play. He’s coming off a stellar NFC Championship performance with three pass breakups and five tackles. If Emmanwori can gut it out and make a game-changing play, he’ll join Seattle sports lore.
And don’t sleep on wide receiver Jake Bobo. The Massachusetts native and undrafted free agent had just two catches during the regular season, but he’s already made his mark in the playoffs with a 17-yard touchdown in the NFC Championship. One more big play on football’s biggest stage, especially against his hometown Patriots, and Bobo could write his own Cinderella story.
This Super Bowl is also a showcase for the rich legacy of Alabama football in the NFL. The list of Crimson Tide alumni who have delivered iconic Super Bowl performances is long and storied: Bart Starr, Joe Namath, John Stallworth, Antowain Smith, Justin Tuck, Dont’a Hightower, DeMarcus Ware, Julio Jones, Tyreek Hill, and Jalen Hurts have all left their mark on the game’s grandest stage. Will Marcus Jones or another Alabama product join that legendary company tonight?
The anticipation in Santa Clara is palpable. Both teams have honored their past, but it’s the next generation of heroes who will define Super Bowl LX. With so many potential storylines and the specter of Malcolm Butler’s unforgettable interception hanging over the proceedings, fans are bracing for a finish that could once again come down to a single, unforgettable play. As the action unfolds, all eyes are on those players ready to seize their moment and etch their names into the annals of Super Bowl history. Whether it’s a familiar face or a complete unknown, one thing’s for sure: the legend of the unexpected hero is alive and well as the Patriots and Seahawks square off for football immortality.