Take it from an ex-TNT staffer, Seahawks fans: Super Bowl memories stick

Here we go again, Seahawks fans. Another Super Bowl. Another chance to beat the Patriots. For better or worse, it’s time once again to embrace all that comes with a worldwide spotlight on our favorite team.

There’s no avoiding it. Over the next week, we’re going to see that horrible play at the goal line on a loop. But Super Bowl LX on Sunday in Santa Clara also brings an opportunity to perhaps ease some of the pain from the last time these two teams met for a title.

I was in the auxiliary press box at University of Phoenix Stadium that fateful night 11 years ago. I spent the game updating our live blog at thenewstribune.com. Staring down at the end zone afterwards, I hit enter on a new headline: SUPER BOWL XLIX FINAL: Patriots 28, Seahawks 24.

It was quiet. Dozens of heads staring at screens, fingers clacking on keys. It went like that for an hour or so. Every so often someone would look up and say, “Why? Why didn’t they just hand it off?” Then, back to their screen.

One year earlier, I was at my Dad’s house when the Seahawks demolished the Broncos, 43-8, to claim their first Super Bowl crown. The drama was minimal. The celebration was loud and lasted all night.

Even today, 12 years later, I smile every time I think about Percy Harvin’s kick return or Denver’s first snap sailing over Peyton Manning’s head. What a difference. What a night.

Both moments are imprinted in my mind. These are the stakes of a Super Bowl for fans. We’re guaranteed a life-long memory. We just don’t know what kind.

Some fans are seeking revenge this time out. The Seahawks are, after all, matched up again against New England. I don’t see it. These are two different teams. And we’ve lived with the scars from the last one for far too long. But a win would help, that’s for sure.

Before that unspeakable play in Glendale or historic romp in the Meadowlands, Seahawks fans were haunted by a handful of mishaps from Super Bowl XL in Detroit. An alleged offensive pass interference on Seahawks receiver Darrell Jackson. A phantom holding call on tackle Sean Locklear. A supposed touchdown from Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger, who appeared well short of the end zone. The magical 2013 run didn’t totally wipe out all those slights, but it helped a lot.

If the Seahawks win Sunday, the celebration will again go late into the night. Another parade will make its way through Seattle. We’ll smile randomly just thinking about it over and over again.

If Seattle loses, we’ll likely have another play or two to ponder and avoid. More scars on top of scars.

Ultimately, it’s all up to the Seahawks. As fans, we’re just along for the ride.

But one thing is certain: We’ll soon be stuck with one more monumental memory. The kind that can only be formed when our Seahawks are on sport’s biggest stage.

Kenny Via worked at The News Tribune from 2007-2017 and has been a Seahawks fan since birth. He attended both Super Bowl XL and XLIX. He’s not superstitious, but just in case, he’s going to watch Super Bowl LX from home.

This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Take it from an ex-TNT staffer, Seahawks fans: Super Bowl memories stick."