Before a single snap was taken at Lumen Field, the spotlight belonged to a Seattle rock legend. The Seahawks welcomed the New England Patriots back for a rematch of their February Super Bowl LX clash, but this pregame moment carried weight far beyond the scoreboard. A hushed stadium and a guitar set the stage for what followed.
Seattle opened its 2026 season two days ahead of the actual 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, with the tribute built into the Week 1 opener itself. A stadium announcement asked fans to observe a moment of silence, and the normally raucous Lumen Field crowd fell quiet.
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Pearl Jam guitarist and Seattle native Mike McCready then took the field for the national anthem, trading a traditional rendition for a freewheeling, Hendrix-inspired guitar solo that leaned into the city’s grunge roots.
The Seahawks also hosted first responders who had traveled across the country to assist in recovery efforts after the attacks, and a military flyover closed out the pregame ceremony.
The tribute doubled as the league’s opening salute to Week 1, with similar moments planned across NFL stadiums throughout the weekend. It also marked a fitting start to a Super Bowl LX rematch, with Seattle looking to build on its championship run and New England seeking early-season redemption.
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What followed was a tense, physical battle that tested both rosters early.
The football that followed was far from smooth. Quarterback Sam Darnold’s hip injury forced Seattle to turn to backup Drew Lock just minutes into the game, and Drew Lock’s relief effort proved decisive, including a 45-yard touchdown connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the fourth quarter.
NBC broadcaster Mike Tirico noted the performance’s local flavor live on air. “Authentically Seattle,” he said, capturing the moment as McCready departed from the traditional anthem melody.
New England’s night unraveled late, with Drake Maye’s costly interceptions sealing a 13-10 loss on three fourth-quarter turnovers.
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The box score reflected the same story. Seattle edged New England in total yards, 297 to 287, but turnovers and time of possession made the difference.
Maye finished 23 of 33 for 178 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions, while Lock went 16 of 22 for 187 yards and a score of his own.
Seattle also controlled the clock, holding the ball for 34:17 compared to New England’s 25:43.
Seattle opens the season 1-0 despite the offensive setbacks, while New England drops to 0-1. The Patriots host Pittsburgh in Week 2, and the Seahawks travel to face Arizona, both looking to build momentum after a dramatic Super Bowl rematch.
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