After a difficult start to his NFL career, it seemed Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold was destined to become a journeyman back-up.
But after leading the Minnesota Vikings to last season’s play-offs, the Seahawks became his fifth team in eight years – and third in three – and they have won American sport’s biggest prize in his first season in Seattle.
“My team-mates and my coaches, they believed in me since the first training camp, every single day we came to work,” said 28-year-old Darnold.
“I shared a great moment with my parents and fiancee Katie after the game and I think that’s what kind of got me a little bit. I told my dad and my mom, I’m here because of their belief in me.
“Some people called me crazy throughout my career for believing in myself so much, but it was because of my parents. It allowed me to go out there and play free and have a ton of confidence.
“On offence, I feel like we didn’t play as good as we could have. I certainly didn’t, but our defence and special teams had our back.”
Seattle also signed Cooper Kupp in the off-season and he claimed his second Super Bowl win, having been the Most Valuable Player (MVP) when the Los Angeles Rams became NFL champions in 2022.
“My wife was the first person to believe in me,” said the wide receiver. “She’s believed that this story was written so long ago.
“I would like to say I was all in and believed it as well, but there were some tough times. Anna has believed that this is what we came to Seattle to do.
“It’s an unbelievable story. To be in this place, it’s hallowed ground.”