Anchorage's Brandon Pili reflects on journey to Super Bowl with Seattle Seahawks

The former Dimond star will be just the fifth Alaskan to ever play in the Super Bowl when he takes the field against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brandon Pili, a third-year defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, is heading to the Super Bowl for the first time in his career. The Anchorage native reflects on the team's journey to the big game and the honor of representing Alaska on the highest stage.

Why it matters

Pili's Super Bowl appearance is a significant milestone for Alaskan athletes, as he will become just the fifth player from the state to ever play in the NFL's championship game. A win would make him only the third Alaskan to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The details

Pili, a former undrafted free agent out of USC, helped the Seahawks reach the Super Bowl with a 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game. The Seahawks' defense made a crucial fourth-down stop late in the game to preserve the win. Pili sees similarities between the Seahawks' underdog journey and his own path to the NFL.

  • The Seahawks defeated the Rams 31-27 in the NFC championship game on January 29, 2026.
  • The Super Bowl between the Seahawks and the New England Patriots will be played on February 9, 2026.

The players

Brandon Pili

A third-year defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks who is from Anchorage, Alaska.

Seattle Seahawks

An NFL team that is heading to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2014 season.

New England Patriots

The AFC champion that will face the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You can't explain the feeling. When you grow up playing football, you dream of playing on the highest stage, and then you actually get there and get to live out your dream, it's such a surreal feeling.”

— Brandon Pili

“We knew that we were probably more built to outlast and out-physical these guys. We just stuck to the way we play the game and came out on top.”

— Brandon Pili

“That really embodies this defense. A lot of the times we can be so relentless that we just take the life out of teams, but there's some times where other coaches and other players scheme it up just right to now we're in a dog fight and now we've got to see who really wants it.”

— Brandon Pili

What’s next

The Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026, with Pili looking to become just the third Alaskan player to win a Super Bowl championship.

The takeaway

Brandon Pili's journey to the Super Bowl is a testament to the resilience and determination of Alaskan athletes, as he looks to join an elite group of players from the state to win the NFL's ultimate prize.