2 days ago
4
Drake Loses $1 Million in Super Bowl 2026 Bet After Seahawks Win
Sam Darnold is holding this touchdown close to his heart.
The Seattle Seahawks quarterback shared the sweet words he told his parents Chris Darnold and Mike Darnold after his team won the 2026 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots on Feb. 8.
“It’s special,” Sam, 28, said during his post-game interview. “I think that’s what kind of got me a little bit. Me and my dad don’t really cry very often. I told my dad and my mom I’m here because of their belief. They believed in me throughout my entire career, and I think that’s why I was able to believe in myself, almost ad nauseam.”
He continued, “Some people called me crazy throughout my career for believing in myself so much and having so much confidence. But, you know, it was because of my parents. It allowed me to go out there and play free and have a ton of confidence.”
Indeed, the NFL player’s parents knew their son needed some encouragement when chasing his dreams on the field. After all, Chris and Mike—who also share daughter Franki Darnold—were both athletes during their college years. Sam’s dad played football at the University of Redlands, while his mom had an impressive run on Long Beach City’s volleyball team.
However, Sam’s family weren’t the only ones who showered him in praise after the year’s biggest football game, which saw the Seahawks best the Patriots 29-13. Shortly after the California game, ESPN posted a heartfelt Instagram video of Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald congratulating him for leading the team towards victory.
“You’re a Super Bowl champion brother,” he told the quarterback in the clip, giving him a hug. Sam then tipped his hat to the coach, replying, “Love you, man. Thanks for believing in me.”
True to this milestone, Sam—who’s engaged to Katie Hoofnagle—couldn’t help but praise his teammates for putting in the work to receive their second Super Bowl win in history. (The Seahawks last took home the Lombardi Trophy in 2014, when they beat the Denver Broncos 43-8.)
“Everything that’s happened in my career but to do it with this team, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” he expressed in another post-game interview. “I’m so proud of our guys.”
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
The Seahawks’ running back Kenneth Walker echoed the sentiment.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “A lot of people play their whole career and never make it this far.”
Keep reading to see more golden moments from the Super Bowl, from celebrity guests to Bad Bunny’s electrifying halftime performance…
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Karol G, Young Miko, David Grutman, Cardi B and Alix Earle
After snapping pics backstage, several celebs joined Halftime Show performer Bad Bunny at Levi's Stadium, making cameos onstage to dance to his song "Yo Perreo Sola."
CHRIS TORRES/EPA/Shutterstock
Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga
Bad Bunny captivated the crowd for the Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show with a surprise appearance from Lady Gaga.
Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images
Jay-Z, Blue Ivy Carter and Rumi Carter
Jay-Z brought his and Beyoncé's daughters—age 14 and 8—to the 2026 Super Bowl in Santa Clara, Calif.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Travis Scott
The rapper snapped pics ahead of the big game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
Courtesy of Raising Cane’s
Emma Robert
The Scream Queens alum cheered on her team from the Raising Cane's suite.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Rosé
The Blackpink singer was repping Levi's while getting a ride into the stadium.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Zac Efron
Looks like he indeed had his head in the game.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
MGK
The rapper had his playlist on lock for the NFL championship.
Courtesy of Raising Cane’s
Olandria Carthen & Nic Vansteenberghe
The Love Island USA couple made a bombshell entrance at the Raising Cane’s hospitality suit inside Levi's Stadium.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Eiza Gonzalez
The Baby Driver actress was calm, cool and collected while watching the action unfold.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Leonardo DiCaprio
The Titanic star made a lowkey entrance into Levi's Stadium.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse
The couple had a winning date night at the 2026 Super Bowl with matching 'fits.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Orlando Bloom
The actor—who split with Katy Perry last year—kept it casual in all-black for the California event.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Alix Earle
The Dancing With the Stars alum—who sparked romance rumors with Tom Brady over New Year's—sported a leather crop top and jeans for her game day 'fit.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Jon Bon Jovi
The longtime Patriots fan attended the game to introduce his fav NFL team before kickoff.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Chris Pratt
The Marvel star—who was on hand to officically introduce the Seattle Seahawks—turned the day into a father-son outing.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Travis Kelce
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end—who is engaged to Taylor Swift—didn't make the finals this year, but still showed his support from the sidelines.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Becky G and Kehlani
The singers were all smiles from their suite.
X
Robert Irwin
From Down Under to the Bay Area! The Dancing With the Stars winner has sashayed into San Francisco.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
J Balvin
The Latin Grammy winner completed his game day look with a black beret and shades.
Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images
Brian Baumgartner
Now, the Office actor just needs some of his famous chili to level up his Super Bowl experience.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Ty Dolla Sign and Flavor Flav
The musicians had their eye on the ball while watching withLive Nation Entertainment CEO Michael Rapino.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Rob Lowe and Marcus Allen
The pair celebrated at the Super Bowl LX Pregame at Levi's Stadium.
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady
The football legends—clad in NFL bomber jackets—greeted fans at Levi's Stadium.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Sebastian Lletget, Kaytranada and Kehlani
The trio shared a suite at Levi's Stadium.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Roger Federer
The tennis champ showed up to support a different sport this time.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Logan Paul
The influencer and WWE star was spotted in the stands.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Emile Hirsch
The Into the Wild star kept his eye on the end zone.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
English (US) ·