Seattle Seahawk fans are painting the town with green, grey and blue and are dusting off their favorite jersey for Super Bowl LX at Levi's® Stadium in Santa Clara, California this Sunday, February 8. Many fans say that they have been waiting for this moment to resettle a score with the New England Patriots.
The two teams went head to head in 2014 for the Super Bowl, and the Patriots won by four points, a devastating loss for many Seahawks fans. A few fans share their excitement for a legendary rematch on Sunday.
In Wenatchee, the Super Bowl becomes a family tribute
For one family in Wenatchee, football brings their family together and is an opportunity to remember loved ones who have died.
“Being a 12 means so much to my family because I feel it’s what brings us together,” said EJ Garcia, a Seahawks fan in Wenatchee.
Inside of Garcia’s house he has a large 12th Man flag hanging vertically and an entire wall dedicated to eclectic Seahawks gear. Next to the wall there is another wall with a quote in the center that says, “Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us everyday.” The second wall is dedicated to Garcia’s uncle Gregorio Garza, a 48-year-old man who was killed in East Wenatchee last year.
Garcia describes his uncle as the ultimate Kansas City Chiefs fan. The Kansas City Chiefs have played in the Super Bowl for the past three years. The wall has photos of Garza in his best Chiefs gear or he is wearing the color red. His family wanted him to be remembered as Kansas City Chiefs superfan and the great person he was, he said.
“For once they (the Kansas City Chiefs) did not dominate the league. He always hated rooting for us, but deep down I know he did because the Seahawks meant something to us, just like Kansas City Chiefs meant the world to him,” said Garcia. “Everyday I wish he could still be here with us today, to witness this piece of history. Although he is not here physically, I know he is with us in spirit rooting on the Seattle Seahawks.”
Photographer in Tri-Cites reflects on his time with the Seahawks
Scott Butner has lived in the Tri-Cities for about 40 years. Before pursuing a career as a research scientist Butner was a professional photographer, working for the Pringle Marchand studio in Everett during the '70s. The photography studio had a contract with the Seattle Seahawks and the original Seattle Sounders.
One assignment still stands out for him decades later: a last-minute trip to Boston to photograph the Seahawks playing against the New England Patriots in the heavy rain. With little experience traveling and no rain gear, Butner shot the game drenched, relying on borrowed plastic bags to protect his cameras. The experience left a lasting impression, but so did his connection to the Seahawks. Now retired, Butner said he still follows the team closely and is excited for the Super Bowl, adding that a small part of him is still looking for revenge for that rainy 1977 loss.
“My wife and I have been glued to the TV every game this year. I know they've played New England since then, but I'm still looking for revenge for that 1977 game,” said Butner.
One fan met a player by surprise
Colby Henderson in Tacoma, Washington got to meet a few of the Seahawks during a quick trip to the grocery store in 2021. She was looking for parsley in the produce section, and there was linebacker, K.J. Wright, and other players from the team shopping.
“He was so gracious and kind. He waited for me to be able to take a photo with me. He signed a post-it because I didn’t have a sharpie with me. I’ve got that printed and framed on my wall, on my big giant Seahawks wall in my living room,” said Henderson.
Henderson says that trip to the grocery store is one of the best memories of her life.
Henderson’s Sundays revolve around where she can catch the Seahawks. She hopes this year her team will beat the Patriots and take their second Super Bowl trophy home.
Chelan family sees their son play for the New England Patriots
This Sunday Brandt and Lisa Westover will cheer from the opposite sideline of the state’s professional football team as their son plays in the Super Bowl for the New England Patriots. This football season has been nothing short of surreal for them.
Their son, Jack Westover, a former University of Washington standout, is the starting fullback for the New England Patriots. For decades Brandt Westover has been cheering for the Seattle Seahawks and has previously attended the Super Bowl to support his state team. This year he is changing his allegiance for his son.
“I’m going back to another Super Bowl,” said Brandt Westover, who will be watching the game at Levi’s Stadium. “But I’m rooting for a different team this time.”
The matchup has forced a rare shift in loyalty for the longtime Washington residents, who now live in Chelan. For them, the season has been less about wins and losses and more about an unlikely journey that carried their son from walk-on college player to the NFL’s biggest stage.
