Super Bowl XLIX

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Lore & Background

The Patriots' victory was their fourth overall and first since 2004's Super Bowl XXXIX, ending a 10-year championship drought. They finished the regular season with a 12–4 record en route to their eighth Super Bowl appearance, tying the record held by the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, and sixth under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. The Seahawks, led by their Legion of Boom defense, also obtained a 12–4 record and were making their third Super Bowl appearance, in addition to their second consecutive after winning Super Bowl XLVIII. As the defending champions, the Seahawks were seeking to become the first to repeat since the Patriots in 2004. For the second consecutive season, both teams were the top seed from their respective conference. Super Bowl XLIX 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. Brady, who set the Super Bowl record for completions at 37, was named Super Bowl MVP for the third time, tying the record held by Joe Montana. Two years later, Brady would surpass both records in Super Bowl LI.

In Their Own Story

Super Bowl XLIX remained within a one-possession margin until the third quarter, when Seattle established a 10-point lead. The Patriots responded with 14 consecutive points in the fourth quarter to take a 28–24 lead with just over two minutes remaining. The game's defining moment arrived as the Seahawks drove downfield and reached New England's one-yard line. Instead of running the ball with their dominant rusher Marshawn Lynch, who had led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that season, Seattle attempted a pass play. Butler intercepted the ball in the final seconds, preventing a potential winning touchdown and sealing the 28–24 victory for New England. This single play is regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history, while Seattle's decision to pass instead of run is often cited as one of the worst calls ever made.

Reader's Guide

NBC's broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX set the record for most-watched program in American television history and remains the fourth-most watched American television broadcast of all time. The game was seen by an average of 114.4 million viewers, with it reaching 118.5 million during the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show featuring Katy Perry and peaking to 120.8 million during New England's fourth quarter comeback. It is considered one of the greatest Super Bowls and was ranked eighth on NFL.coms 100 Greatest Games, the third-highest Super Bowl game. Butler's game-winning interception was ranked fifth on NFL.coms 100 Greatest Plays, the highest defensive play. The two franchises would meet again in Super Bowl LX 11 years later, where the Seahawks would win 29–13.

Did You Know?

• The Patriots' victory ended a 10-year championship drought since Super Bowl XXXIX.
• Tom Brady set a Super Bowl record with 37 completions and was named MVP for the third time.
• Malcolm Butler's interception is ranked fifth on NFL.com's 100 Greatest Plays, the highest defensive play.
• The broadcast peaked at 120.8 million viewers during New England's fourth-quarter comeback.