Seahawks Win Super Bowl L: 29-13 Over Patriots

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – The New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The victory marked the Patriots’ fourth Super Bowl title.

The game was closely contested, with the Seahawks leading at various points. However, a late interception by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler in the end zone with 20 seconds remaining secured the win for New England. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, throwing for four touchdowns and 328 yards.

The Seahawks, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, fought valiantly, with Wilson completing 12 of 21 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Marshawn Lynch contributed 102 rushing yards and a touchdown for Seattle.

The Super Bowl XLIX halftime show featured a performance by Katy Perry, along with special guests Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott, and the Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band. The performance drew a large television audience, with an estimated 114.4 million viewers tuning in across the United States.

The game attracted a significant audience, with Nielsen ratings reaching 47.5 nationally, 61.0 in Boston, 55.6 in Phoenix, and 52.1 in Seattle. A 30-second commercial during the broadcast cost approximately $4.5 million.

The opening ceremonies included a national anthem performance by Idina Menzel and a coin toss conducted by former New England Patriots player Tedy Bruschi and Seattle Seahawks legend Kenny Easley.

The game was officiated by referee Bill Vinovich and his crew. Attendance at University of Phoenix Stadium reached 70,288.

This Super Bowl marked the second time the game had been held at University of Phoenix Stadium and the third time the Phoenix metropolitan area had hosted the event. The game was considered a toss-up by many, with no clear favorite established prior to kickoff.

The Seattle Seahawks’ journey to Super Bowl XLIX followed a 12-4 regular season record. They defeated the Carolina Panthers and the Green Bay Packers in the NFC playoffs to secure their spot in the championship game. The Patriots also finished the regular season with a 12-4 record, earning their place in the Super Bowl after victories over the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC playoffs.

The game also marked a significant moment for the Patriots, being their first Super Bowl appearance since the departure of long-time quarterback Tom Brady. Drake Maye now leads the team as quarterback.

Prior to the game, the pre-game show featured performances by Green Day, Charlie Puth, and Coco Jones. Green Day performed their songs “Holiday,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and “American Idiot.” Charlie Puth sang the U.S. National Anthem, while Coco Jones performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and Brandi Carlile sang “America the Beautiful.”

The halftime show, headlined by Bad Bunny, sparked controversy and political commentary. Bad Bunny’s performance included references to Puerto Rico and criticism of U.S. Immigration policies, prompting a negative reaction from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the show as “absolutely terrible.” Trump criticized the performance on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating it did not represent the “greatness of America.”

The Super Bowl is a major cultural event in the United States, drawing a massive television audience and generating significant economic activity. The game is known for its elaborate halftime shows and expensive commercials, which often feature celebrity endorsements. The event also generates considerable media attention and discussion, solidifying its place as a national spectacle.

The game was broadcast nationally on NBC, with Al Michaels handling play-by-play commentary, Cris Collinsworth providing analysis, and Michele Tafoya reporting from the sidelines. Westwood One provided radio coverage, with Kevin Harlan calling the play-by-play and Boomer Esiason offering analysis.