On Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a 29-13 win against the New England Patriots, securing the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship. Following the victory, Seahawks owner Jody Allen received the Vince Lombardi Trophy from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and then handed it to head coach Mike McDonald, who invited the players to join him on stage.
Kyle Van Noy Challenges NFL’s Trophy Presentation Tradition
Baltimore Ravens linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion Kyle Van Noy expressed dissatisfaction with the NFL tradition of awarding the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the team owner before the players. Van Noy made his opinion clear on social media about how the trophy presentation should be conducted.
“I still think players should touch the trophy first in my opinion!” Van Noy wrote. – Kyle Van Noy, Linebacker
His post sparked significant attention, amassing nearly 100,000 views and over 2,600 likes, reflecting the shared sentiment among many fans who believe the players, not owners, deserve to be the first to celebrate with the trophy.
Key Players and Moments Define Seahawks’ Road to Victory
The Seahawks avenged their loss in Super Bowl XLIX, clinching the title after an 11-year wait. Running back Kenneth Walker III earned MVP honors with an impressive 135 rushing yards, while kicker Jason Myers contributed by setting a Super Bowl record with five successful field goals.
Seattle’s defense dominated throughout the game, forcing three turnovers and securing seven sacks against Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, limiting New England’s scoring opportunities until late in the game.
How the Game Played Out: Seahawks’ Control Over Patriots
Seattle built a commanding 12-0 lead by halftime through a combination of field goals and strong defensive efforts. Early in the fourth quarter, Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass, pushing the lead to 19 points and further dampening Patriots’ hopes.
Though Drake Maye connected with Mack Hollins for a 35-yard touchdown with less than 13 minutes remaining, providing a brief spark for New England fans, Seattle responded with another touchdown and field goal to seal the win with over four minutes left on the clock.
Maye’s late touchdown pass was insufficient to overcome the deficit, denying the Patriots their seventh Super Bowl championship.
Impact of the Seahawks’ Victory and Van Noy’s Critique
The Seahawks’ triumph at Levi’s Stadium not only marked a significant milestone for the franchise but also reignited discussions about the traditions surrounding Super Bowl celebrations, particularly the order in which the Vince Lombardi Trophy is presented. Kyle Van Noy’s public objection emphasizes a growing call for players—who directly contribute on the field—to receive first recognition.
As the NFL moves forward, this debate may influence how future championship ceremonies are handled, with fans and players alike paying closer attention to how the league honors its champions.
I still think players should touch the trophy first in my opinion !
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) February 9, 2026
