Patriots vs Seahawks: Super Bowl History & Rivalry

A Super Bowl Rematch Years in the Making: Patriots and Seahawks History

The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are set to meet in a Super Bowl for the second time, rekindling a rivalry first forged in Arizona in 2015. The upcoming contest offers a chance to revisit one of the most dramatic finishes in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl XLIX, played on February 1, 2015, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, saw the Patriots defeat the Seahawks 28-24 in a game decided on the very last play. The victory was particularly agonizing for Seattle, as a potential game-winning touchdown was thwarted by an interception in the end zone.

The game itself was a back-and-forth affair. According to records, both teams entered the Super Bowl with identical 12-4 regular season records. New England, representing the American Football Conference (AFC), and Seattle, representing the National Football Conference (NFC), proved to be evenly matched throughout the contest.

The Patriots, led by quarterback Tom Brady, who was ultimately named the game’s Most Valuable Player, took a 28-24 lead late in the fourth quarter. However, the Seahawks, quarterbacked at the time by Russell Wilson, mounted a desperate drive to pull ahead. That drive culminated in a controversial play call at the Patriots’ goal line.

Instead of handing the ball to running back Marshawn Lynch, who had been a dominant force throughout the game, Seattle opted to pass. Brady’s teammate, Malcolm Butler, intercepted the pass intended for receiver Ricardo Lockette, securing the championship for New England. The interception remains a pivotal moment in Super Bowl lore, and a source of ongoing debate among football fans.

Super Bowl XLIX drew a massive television audience, with an estimated 114.4 million viewers tuning in across the United States. The game achieved Nielsen ratings of 47.5 nationally, peaking at 61.0 in the Boston market and 55.6 in Phoenix, and 52.1 in Seattle. The high viewership underscored the enduring popularity of the Super Bowl as a cultural event.

The atmosphere at University of Phoenix Stadium was electric, with an attendance of 70,288. The pre-game and halftime entertainment also contributed to the spectacle. Idina Menzel performed the National Anthem, while Katy Perry headlined the halftime show, featuring performances by Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott, alongside the Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band.

The cost of a 30-second commercial during Super Bowl XLIX reached $4.5 million, reflecting the immense value advertisers placed on reaching the game’s vast audience. NBC broadcast the game, with Al Michaels handling play-by-play commentary, Cris Collinsworth providing analysis, and Michele Tafoya reporting from the sidelines.

The Seahawks, who joined the NFL in 1976, have a 1-2 record in Super Bowl appearances. This upcoming game represents another opportunity for Seattle to claim its second Super Bowl title. The Patriots, with a storied history of success, will be looking to add to their championship legacy.

Super Bowl XLIX was the second Super Bowl held at University of Phoenix Stadium and the third to be hosted in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The game’s legacy extends beyond the field, leaving a lasting impact on the city and its fans.