Super Bowl XLIX

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Seahawks entered as the defending champions after winning Super Bowl XLVIII the previous season. They struggled to begin the season, floundering near the season's midpoint with a 3–3 record, but went on to win nine of their final 10 regular season games, preventing their opponents from scoring any touchdowns in five of them. By the time they finished with a 12–4 record and entered the playoffs, they had earned the number one seed, and not allowed any touchdowns in the previous 10 quarters. Their defense ranked first in the NFL in fewest points allowed (254) and their offense was tied at first in rushing yards (2,762). The Seahawks defeated the Carolina Panthers 31–17 in the NFC Divisional playoffs, and later defeated the Green Bay Packers 28–22 in overtime in the NFC Championship Game. Seattle became the first NFC team to advance to consecutive Super Bowls since the 1996–97 Packers in Super Bowls XXXI and XXXII. Quarterback Russell Wilson completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 3,475 yards and 20 touchdowns, with seven interceptions, while also rushing for 849 yards and six touchdowns. Running back Marshawn Lynch was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl, ranking fourth in the NFL with 1,306 rushing yards and first in rushing touchdowns with 13. The game is most remembered for the Seahawks' last play, in which they threatened to score a winning touchdown from New England's 1-yard line, but were intercepted in the final seconds by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler. Butler's interception is regarded as one of the greatest plays in NFL history, while Seattle's decision to pass instead of run the ball is considered one of the worst calls of all time.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over the artificial turf as the clock wound down to zero. Inside the huddle, Wilson felt the weight of the city on his shoulders. He stepped out, eyes locked on the end zone just yards away. The snap came, and the air seemed to freeze. A hand reached up from the secondary, a flash of white against blue, and the dream evaporated in an instant caught by the goal line defender.

Reader's Guide

Super Bowl XLIX served as the ultimate test for a Seattle franchise aiming to cement its status among NFL dynasties by repeating as champions. The contest showcased the legendary Legion of Boom defense dominating early, as the Seahawks' defense ranked first in the NFL in fewest points allowed (254). The game was kept within a one-possession margin until Seattle took a 10-point lead in the third quarter. New England responded by scoring 14 consecutive points during the fourth to take a 28–24 lead with just over two minutes remaining. The game is most remembered for the Seahawks' last play, in which they threatened to score a winning touchdown from New England's 1-yard line, but were intercepted in the final seconds by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler. Butler's interception is regarded as one of the greatest plays in NFL history, while Seattle's decision to pass instead of run the ball is considered one of the worst calls of all time.

Did You Know?

• The Seahawks were seeking to become the first team to repeat as Super Bowl champions since the Patriots in 2004.
• Seattle became the first NFC team to advance to consecutive Super Bowls since the 1996–97 Packers.
• The Seahawks' defense ranked first in the NFL in fewest points allowed (254) during the 2014 season.
• Running back Marshawn Lynch ranked first in the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 13 during the regular season.
• The game was the second Super Bowl held at University of Phoenix Stadium and the third in the Phoenix metropolitan area.