The Super Bowl in Santa Clara was an emotional affair. After the game, Sam Darnold thanked his parents and Cooper Kupp thanked his wife.

Super Bowl 60 is history. With a commanding and well-deserved 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks have claimed the NFL crown for the second time in their franchise history. After the game at Levi’s Stadium, the protagonists commented on the events on the field and gave insights into their emotional lives.

Mike MacDonald, Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks

“I believe God called me to be a coach, and I listened to him and believe in him. We are incredibly blessed to be Seahawks. Now we have the title. We never doubt. We believe in each other. We love each other.”

Sam Darnold, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks

“It’s special. After the game, I had a great moment with my parents and my fiancée Katie. I think that got to me a little bit. My dad and I don’t cry often. I told my dad and my mom that I’m only here because they believed in me. They believed in me throughout my entire career, and I think that’s why I was able to believe in myself almost to an exaggerated degree (laughs).“

He continued: ”Some people thought I was crazy during my career because I believed in myself so much and had so much confidence, but that was because of my parents. They believed in me throughout my entire career. That’s the only reason I was able to develop and build so much self-confidence.”

Cooper Kupp, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks

on repeating the Super Bowl triumph after the 2022 victory with the Rams:

“It’s incredible. This place feels like hallowed ground. Only teams that come together to overcome adversity get here. We were such a close-knit group. Every single one of us would say that. Believing in each other, genuinely loving each other—that’s what made the difference.“

On the message from his wife Anna after the victory:

”It was a message with lots of tears of joy. Everyone here who has a family knows how much our families give so that we can do what we do. They are such an important part of it, and this year my wife and my boys were even closer by my side than ever before in my life. I told them afterwards that this is their trophy. I wanted them to be up there, I wanted them to be up there holding the trophy in their hands. This belongs to us. This is what we all achieved together in that moment.”

Mike Vrabel, Head Coach, New England Patriots

“I’m proud of everything the players have accomplished. I’m just as disappointed as they are. It’s okay to be disappointed. We have to be disappointed and upset together. I’m grateful. I’m grateful to be able to coach them. But like every year, there has to be a loser. We should remember how this feels and make sure it doesn’t happen again.“

Drake Maye, quarterback for the New England Patriots

”This hurts. It definitely hurts. They played better than us tonight. They deserved to win. It’s been an incredible journey for the entire team and for me personally. I love this team and the guys in the locker room. We gave it our all on the field, but it just wasn’t enough. We didn’t play our best game, but that happens. It’s going to hurt for a while, but that’s what you sign up for.”

Christian Gonzales, cornerback, New England Patriots

“This will definitely hurt until the start of next season. I’m proud of these guys, I’m proud of this team. But we just didn’t get it done. Still, we’ll put it behind us.”