At the end of the conference finals, the Seahawks and the Patriots validated their ticket to the Super Bowl, promising a spectacular final.
But barely the celebrations began, a publication dating from September resurfaced on social networks, triggering a real digital storm.
This promotional image, released at the start of the season by the NFL to illustrate the road to Super Bowl 60highlighted two faces now at the center of the news: Drake Maye and Sam Darnold. The first represents the Patriots, while the second embodies the hopes of the Seahawks.
32 teams with February dreams. We’re so back. pic.twitter.com/3myEdLhOG8
— NFL (@NFL) September 4, 2025
The coincidence quickly fueled all kinds of theories, with some Internet users going so far as to mention a “rigged” league. In a few hours, the post went viral, accumulating shares, comments and passionate reactions. Faced with the scale of the controversy, the NFL chose to react with humor and sobriety.
A clear and ironic response from the NFL
Through its communications department, the league quickly put out the fire. Brian McCarthy, recognized spokesperson for the NFL on social networks, responded tersely, brushing aside any controversy with a simple « non ».
A brief statement, but enough to calm people’s minds and remind us that it was only a marketing illustration without any predictive significance.
This sequence demonstrates to what extent the slightest image can today fuel debates and suspicions in the ultra-connected world of professional sport. It also highlights the power of social networks, capable of transforming innocuous content into a hot topic.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks and Patriots are now focused on what matters most: preparing for the Super Bowl. A highly anticipated duel, which promises to be as spectacular on the field as it is exciting in its media context.
