The Seattle Seahawks are heading back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 11 years. Their last appearance was Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, when they lost to the New England Patriots 28-24. Now in Super Bowl LX (2026), they get a rematch against those same Patriots.
The Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game to secure their spot. This ends an 11-year drought from the Super Bowl stage. The team finished the 2025 regular season 14-3 under head coach Mike Macdonald.
Super Bowl LX Details:
- Date: February 8, 2026
- Location: Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
- Opponent: New England Patriots
- Significance: First Super Bowl for Seahawks since 2015
The 2015 Super Bowl XLIX Defeat
The Seahawks’ most recent Super Bowl appearance came in Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015.
They faced the New England Patriots at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots won 28-24 in one of the most controversial finishes in Super Bowl history.
Super Bowl XLIX Details:
| Metric | Details |
| Date | February 1, 2015 |
| Location | University of Phoenix Stadium, Arizona |
| Opponent | New England Patriots |
| Result | Loss 28-24 |
| Seahawks Record | 1-2 in Super Bowl history (at that time) |
| Notable Players | Russell Wilson (QB), Marshawn Lynch (RB) |
The Seahawks were favored heading into this game, a first for the franchise. The Patriots had won 9 Super Bowls at that point in their history. New England’s offense, led by Tom Brady, proved too much in the final moments.
The final drive haunts Seahawks fans to this day. With the ball at the Patriots’ one-yard line and 26 seconds remaining, the Seahawks elected to pass instead of running. Russell Wilson threw an interception to Malcolm Butler, which sealed the victory for New England.
This controversial play call by head coach Pete Carroll became one of the most debated decisions in NFL history. Most fans believe handing the ball to Marshawn Lynch would have resulted in a touchdown. The Seahawks would have been back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
The 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII Victory
Before the loss, the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII one year earlier. On February 2, 2014, they defeated the Denver Broncos 43-8 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This victory earned them their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
Super Bowl XLVIII Details:
| Metric | Result |
| Date | February 2, 2014 |
| Opponent | Denver Broncos |
| Final Score | Seahawks 43, Broncos 8 |
| Location | MetLife Stadium (New Jersey) |
| Seahawks QB | Russell Wilson |
| Broncos QB | Peyton Manning |
| MVP | Malcolm Smith (linebacker) |
| Notable | Largest margin of victory by an underdog |
The Seahawks dominated the heavily favored Broncos with their elite defense. The game was played outdoors in a cold-weather city, the first Super Bowl played in such conditions. Peyton Manning, the league’s all-time great, was limited by Seattle’s pass rush.
Key Statistics from the Victory:
- Broncos held to 8 points (well below their season average)
- Seahawks defense recorded 3 non-offensive touchdowns
- Malcolm Smith returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown
- Safety scored on the very first play from scrimmage
The 2006 Super Bowl XL Loss
The Seahawks appeared in their first-ever Super Bowl following the 2005 season. On February 5, 2006, they faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL at Ford Field in Detroit. The Seahawks lost 21-10 in a disappointing performance.
Super Bowl XL Details:
| Metric | Details |
| Date | February 5, 2006 |
| Opponent | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Final Score | Steelers 21, Seahawks 10 |
| Location | Ford Field (Detroit) |
| Seahawks QB | Matt Hasselbeck |
| Head Coach | Mike Holmgren |
| Record That Season | 13-3 (first NFC West title) |
The Steelers’ defense overwhelmed the Seahawks’ offense from the start. Willie Parker rushed for 159 yards on 25 carries, dominating the game. Matt Hasselbeck and the Seattle offense couldn’t keep pace.
The Seahawks’ defense couldn’t stop Pittsburgh’s ground attack. The Steelers controlled the game with physical football and strong rushing. This loss deflated Seattle’s momentum after their first playoff success.
RELATED ARTICLES
The Seahawks Between 2015 and 2026
After losing Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, the Seahawks made the playoffs several more times but never returned to the championship game.
They won playoff games in both 2015 and 2016 as Wild Card teams but couldn’t advance further.
Playoff Results (2015-2024):
- 2015: Won Wild Card, lost Divisional Round
- 2016: Won Wild Card, lost Divisional Round
- 2017: Missed playoffs for first time in six years
- 2018: Lost Wild Card to Dallas Cowboys
- 2019: Had 11-5 record but missed playoffs
- 2020: Lost Wild Card to Philadelphia Eagles
- 2021: Finished last in division
- 2022: Lost Wild Card to 49ers
- 2023: Missed playoffs
- 2024: Missed playoffs
- 2025: Won NFC West and reached Super Bowl LX
The Seahawks’ drought came from injuries, coaching changes, and roster turnover. Russell Wilson eventually requested a trade, leaving for the Denver Broncos in 2022. Pete Carroll was fired after the 2023 season after 14 years as head coach.
The 2025 Seahawks Turnaround
Everything changed when Mike Macdonald took over as head coach in 2024. In his second season (2025), Macdonald transformed the Seahawks into an NFC powerhouse. The team finished 14-3 in the regular season, winning the NFC West division.
2025 Season Highlights:
- Finished 14-3 with best defense in NFL
- Allowed fewest points in the league
- Mike Macdonald’s defensive schemes dominated opponents
- Sam Darnold led offense as QB (first season with team)
- Beat 49ers and Rams in playoffs to win NFC Championship
Playoff Path to Super Bowl LX:
- Wild Card: Seahawks beat 49ers
- Divisional: Seahawks beat 49ers again (revenge)
- NFC Championship: Seahawks beat Rams 31-27
The Seahawks looked like the best team in the NFL near season’s end. Their defense, led by Macdonald’s schemes, was nearly impenetrable. The team controlled games and won crucial moments.
Super Bowl LX Rematch with Patriots
The Seahawks drew the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, setting up a rematch 11 years after Super Bowl XLIX.
The Patriots also returned to the championship game for the first time since Tom Brady left. Drake Maye now leads New England as their new franchise QB.
Key Differences from 2015:
| Factor | 2015 XLIX | 2026 LX |
| Seahawks QB | Russell Wilson | Sam Darnold |
| Patriots QB | Tom Brady | Drake Maye |
| Patriots Coach | Bill Belichick | Mike Vrabel |
| Seahawks Coach | Pete Carroll | Mike Macdonald |
| Seahawks Defense | Strong | Dominant (league’s best) |
| Patriots Defense | Weak | Much improved |
The Seahawks are favored in this matchup based on their regular-season dominance. Their defense is the best in the NFL. The Patriots improved their defense significantly under Vrabel but still face a tough challenge.
Super Bowl History Summary
The Seahawks have four total Super Bowl appearances in franchise history:
Super Bowl Appearances:
- Super Bowl XL (2006): Lost to Steelers 21-10
- Super Bowl XLVIII (2014): Won vs Broncos 43-8
- Super Bowl XLIX (2015): Lost to Patriots 28-24
- Super Bowl LX (2026): Playing Patriots (pending)
Record: 1 win, 2 losses (entering Super Bowl LX)
FAQs
When was the last Super Bowl appearance by the Seahawks?
Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015, when they lost to the Patriots 28-24. They now return in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.
Did the Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII?
Yes, the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII by defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8 on February 2, 2014. This was their first Super Bowl championship.
Who threw the interception in Super Bowl XLIX?
Russell Wilson threw the interception to Malcolm Butler with 26 seconds remaining. The Seahawks were at the one-yard line seeking the go-ahead touchdown.
How many times have the Seahawks been to the Super Bowl?
The Seahawks have appeared in four Super Bowls: XL, XLVIII, XLIX, and LX. They have won one championship.
How long was the Seahawks’ drought between Super Bowls?
The Seahawks did not appear in a Super Bowl for 11 years between Super Bowl XLIX (2015) and Super Bowl LX (2026).
What is the Seahawks’ Super Bowl record?
The Seahawks are 1-2 in Super Bowl history after three appearances. They won Super Bowl XLVIII and lost Super Bowls XL and XLIX.
Who is the head coach of the Seahawks?
Mike Macdonald became the Seahawks’ head coach in 2024. He previously served as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
How many playoff wins did the Seahawks have in 2025?
The Seahawks won three playoff games in 2025: two against the 49ers and one against the Rams to win the NFC Championship.
Who won the NFC Championship for the Seahawks?
The Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game on January 26, 2026, to advance to Super Bowl LX.
Will the Seahawks play the Patriots again in Super Bowl LX?
Yes, the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
RELATED ARTICLES
