FARGO — Nick Wagner, a graduate of Ada-Borup High School in Minnesota, will photograph Super Bowl LX on Sunday for The Seattle Times. The talented photojournalist recently documented the NFC Championship game, where former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a thrilling 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field, securing their place in the big game.
“It”s been bittersweet as a Vikings fan,” Wagner remarked, referencing Darnold”s success since joining the Seahawks this season. “It”s good to see Sam have success.” Darnold was let go by the Vikings in favor of second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, after he had previously guided Minnesota to a 14-3 record in 2024. This season, he also led the Seahawks to a 14-3 record, making them the NFC”s top seed for the playoffs.
Wagner, who interned at The Forum from 2014 to 2015, expressed a common thought among Vikings fans: “What if? What if we kept him?” His work at Super Bowl LX marks his third appearance at the championship in just four years, with previous assignments at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona, and Super Bowl LVIII in Paradise, Nevada, where he covered the victorious Kansas City Chiefs.
This time, Wagner anticipates shooting from the concourse level, a shift from his previous field access during the last two Super Bowls. “It”s something different visually,” he explained. “You”re able to get a different perspective.” He noted that the veteran photographers from the Seattle paper will likely have field access, which is limited at the Super Bowl.
Wagner has been capturing the Seahawks” playoff journey but admitted he hasn”t been as closely involved with the team as he was with the Chiefs. “This time it”s kind of been more hands off as I”m juggling all the other assignments across the newsroom,” he said. “It hasn”t been as close, but still a fun run.”
Interestingly, the Seahawks” starting lineup includes two former North Dakota State offensive linemen, rookie guard Grey Zabel and center Jalen Sundell, which resonates with Wagner, who grew up near Fargo. However, he expressed a desire to see another former NDSU lineman, Mason Miller, on the Super Bowl stage, noting that Miller, an undrafted free agent, spent the season with the Detroit Lions.
“That would have been extra special,” Wagner said, reflecting on the connections to his hometown. This postseason, he has photographed key moments from the concourse, including Rashid Shadeed”s punt return for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers and Dareke Young”s recovery of a muffed punt against the Rams.
Darnold had an impressive performance in the NFC Championship, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions. Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba also shone, with 10 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown. Wagner remarked, “The main thing was so long as Sam took care of the ball in the playoffs, they had about as good a shot as anybody to go win it all, and here they are one game away.” He acknowledged the quality of the supporting team and highlighted Darnold”s connection with the league”s best receiver.
