What started out as a cool evening in the desert turned into a heated competition on national television. Super Bowl XLIX began with a 0-0 tie after the first quarter and ended with the New England Patriots defeating the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 on a goal line turnover, ending Seattle’s attempt for back-to-back Super Bowl trophies — a feat that was last accomplished by the Patriots in 2003 and 2004.
New England cornerback Malcolm Butler, a free agent rookie, made the decisive play by intercepting Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson at the goal line to seal the victory. Just plays before Butler’s interception, Seattle wide receiver Jevon Kearse pulled off a juggling catch, reminiscent of David Tyree’s catch in Super Bowl XLII, that set the Seahawks up with a first and goal opportunity down four points.
In doing so, New England won its fourth Super Bowl since the turn of the century and first in the new decade. The Patriots had lost their last two Super Bowl appearances.
Directly after the game, Butler was interviewed by NBC’s on field reporting team.
“I just had a vision that I was going to make a big play, and it came through,” Butler said to NBC’s Michele Tafoya directly after the game. “I’m just blessed. I can’t even explain it right now.”
37-year-old New England quarterback Tom Brady passed legendary QB Joe Montana for the most touchdowns in Super Bowl history by throwing his 12th and 13th total touchdowns during his now six Super Bowl appearances. He won his fourth Super Bowl in those six appearances.
In addition, Brady was named MVP of the Super Bowl for the third time in his illustrious career.
Brady ended the game 37-50 for 328 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions, the second of which looked like a back breaker for the Patriots.
Former Arizona Wildcat and current New England tight end Rob Gronkowski won his first Super Bowl and ended with 68 yards and one touchdown on six receptions.
During the trophy celebration after the game, Gronkowski was interviewed by NBC and expressed his experience.
“It feels unbelievable,” Gronkowski said to NBC’s Dan Patrick. “No doubts at all. We just take one play [at] a time, one drive at a time. … I never had this feeling before.”
For a Seattle team already suffering from various injuries throughout, seeing cornerback Jeremy Lane and defensive end Cliff Avril go down during the action had to hurt. Defensive backs Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor were among those injured coming into the game, and all played big roles throughout.
However, it was the Seattle offense that stole the show for most of the second half. Running back Marshawn Lynch paced the Seahawks for most of the game, racking up 102 rushing yards and one touchdown. Despite Lynch’s bruising running style, Seattle went to the pass when it mattered most and nearly came back from a four-point deficit.
As a team, Seattle out-gained New England 396-377 despite running 19 fewer plays than the Patriots and holding possession for 26:14 while the Patriots had the ball for 33:46.
It was a far cry from Super Bowl XLVIII and everything fans could have asked for as a follow-up to last year’s blowout.
During the trophy presentation, Patriots owner Robert Kraft spoke a few words to the nation.
“You know, to all the Patiot fans out there, wherever you are, this is our fourth super bowl championship in the last 14 years.”
Kraft said to NBC’s Dan Patrick.
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