The Seattle Seahawks delivered a commanding performance against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, securing a 29-13 victory, largely thanks to a game-changing play by Derick Hall. Despite holding a slim 12-0 lead at the time, Hall”s strip-sack of quarterback Drake Maye in the third quarter opened the door for Seattle to seal their second championship title.
Hall”s crucial sack resulted in a fumble, which was promptly recovered by Byron Murphy II. Capitalizing on this momentum, the Seahawks scored their first touchdown of the game just five plays later, with a 16-yard reception by A.J. Barner. This turnover not only marked a pivotal moment in the game but also allowed Seattle to establish a stronger lead.
Reflecting on his performance, Hall noted, “It”s been a little bit of a crazy year for me. Obviously, the pressures and the hits have been there, but no sacks, and man, what a more rewarding time to be blessed and have opportunities there to go out in this game and help lead this team to success tonight.” Hall, who finished the game with two sacks after a season with only two, made a significant impact when it mattered most.
The 24-year-old linebacker”s journey to the Super Bowl is remarkable. Born four months premature in Gulfport, Mississippi, he faced numerous health challenges early in life, including being pronounced dead at birth before being resuscitated. Doctors advised his mother, Stacy Gooden-Crandle, to discontinue life support, but she refused, leading Hall to survive five months in intensive care along with ongoing health issues throughout his childhood.
Hall began playing football at the age of four, initially to improve his lung capacity. He quickly fell in love with the sport, which allowed him to experience a normal childhood. After excelling at Auburn University, he was drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Just under three years post-draft, Hall emerged as a key player in a dominant defensive unit that effectively dismantled the Patriots.
After the victory, Hall shared a touching moment with his mother, who has attended every game he has played since the age of four. “Mom doesn”t miss a game,” Hall expressed. “From the time I started playing football at 4 to tonight, my mom has been at every single game.”
The Seahawks” defense, known as the “Dark Side,” was instrumental throughout the season, allowing the fewest points per game at 17.2. Standout players included cornerback Devon Witherspoon, linebacker Ernest Jones IV, and defensive lineman Leonard Williams, all of whom earned accolades as part of the Associated Press 2025 NFL All-Pro second team. Jones led the Seahawks with 11 tackles in the Super Bowl, while Uchenna Nwosu added to the team”s success with a critical interception and a 45-yard pick-six.
Hall”s performance and personal story resonated deeply with his teammates, including Byron Murphy II, who said, “Hell of a player, hell of a guy, man, been through so much. That”s a determined dude, man. I love him to death.” This sentiment underscores the camaraderie and resilience that define the Seahawks as they celebrate their latest Super Bowl triumph.
