Overview:
Seahawks fans across Palau celebrated early Monday morning as Seattle’s defense powered the team to a 29–13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. From packed viewing parties in Koror to strong community pride tied to Washington state, the championship victory brought a moment of excitement and connection for island supporters.
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 9, 2026) – In Santa Clara, California, Super Bowl LX promised drama, but it delivered dominance. In a game that quickly became a showcase for defense, the Seattle Seahawks shut down the New England Patriots, earning a 29-13 victory at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday night and capturing the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.
For fans in Palau, the matchup carried special meaning. Seattle has long enjoyed strong support across the islands, fueled by deep family and cultural ties. Washington state is home to the largest Palauan population on the U.S. mainland, and that connection has helped make the Seahawks one of the most followed NFL teams in Palau. Adding to the connection, the game was played in California’s Bay Area, another region with a significant Palauan community.
From Koror to Malakal, Seahawks jerseys were easy to spot as fans packed local bars and restaurants early Monday morning. Viewing parties filled venues including The Penthouse, The Canoe House, The Taj, R.I.C., the Cove and Kramer’s in Malakal, where Seahawks and Patriots supporters alike debated predictions and waited to see how the long-anticipated rematch would unfold.
This game was widely seen as a chance for Seattle to make things right. The two teams last met in the Super Bowl in 2015, when the Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28–24 in Super Bowl XLIX, a game remembered for its dramatic ending sealed by a late interception at the goal line. Eleven years later, redemption was firmly on Seattle’s mind.
Before kickoff, the storyline centered on New England’s explosive offense versus Seattle’s dominant defense. The Patriots entered seeking a record seventh Super Bowl title, led by young quarterback Drake Maye, and many fans were simply happy to see New England back on the sport’s biggest stage – this time without Tom Brady, hoping it marked the beginning of a new era.
Seattle, meanwhile, arrived with a balanced offense and one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenses. While analysts predicted a close contest, the Seahawks quickly turned it into a physical, controlled performance.
From the opening drive, Seattle’s defense set the tone. The Patriots struggled to move the ball, repeatedly facing long third-down situations. Seattle took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter and added another field goal to head into halftime ahead 6-0, a score that reflected defensive dominance rather than offensive fireworks.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers played a key role, converting five field goals, a Super Bowl record. Each score kept pressure on New England and allowed Seattle to dictate the pace of the game.
The second half proved decisive. Quarterback Sam Darnold, steady and efficient, connected with A.J. Barner on a 16-yard touchdown pass, extending Seattle’s lead. The Seahawks’ defense continued to overwhelm Maye, with six sacks and forcing multiple turnovers. A fumble returned for a touchdown swung momentum completely in Seattle’s favor.
New England’s lone offensive touchdown came late in the fourth quarter on a 35-yard pass from Maye to Mack Hollins, but by then the outcome was all but decided.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III led the way offensively, rushing for 135 yards and earning Super Bowl MVP honors, becoming the first running back in decades to receive the award.
In Palau, reactions reflected the divide seen on the field.
A die-hard Seahawks fan from Idid said the game may not have delivered the thriller some expected, but it was exactly what Seahawks supporters wanted. “This is Seahawks football,” he said. “Defense showing up and controlling the game. Boring for who? This was the most fun our boys had all year, and bringing the Lombardi back to Seahawks Nation.”
A Patriots fan from Ngerbeched took the loss in stride. “It was great to be back in the Super Bowl much quicker than we expected,” he said. “We have a solid team. We didn’t quite show up today, but I guarantee you we’ll be back. The Patriots empire will be back.”
Super Bowl LX may not be remembered as a shootout, but for Seahawks fans in Palau and around the world, it marked a moment of redemption and served as a clear reminder of the old football saying that “defense wins championships.” (Contributed)