Seahawks' Special Teams Play Propels Them to Super Bowl

Seattle's special teams units have been critical to the team's success on the road to the Super Bowl

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:25am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a Seahawks special teams play, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color capturing the raw energy and dynamism of the action.The Seahawks' special teams unit has been a driving force behind the team's success, with their ability to generate game-changing plays propelling them to the Super Bowl.San Jose Today

The Seattle Seahawks' special teams units have been a major factor in the team's success this season, scoring five touchdowns on returns and setting numerous franchise and league records. Under the direction of special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, the Seahawks have excelled in all phases of special teams, from kick and punt returns to kicking and punting. This has helped the team reach the Super Bowl, where they will look to continue their special teams dominance.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' special teams success has been a key part of their playoff run, flipping the momentum of games and providing a significant boost to the team. In an era where big special teams plays are increasingly rare, the Seahawks' ability to generate touchdowns and set records on special teams has given them a major advantage over their opponents.

The details

The Seahawks have scored five special teams touchdowns in the playoffs, including four on returns. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, acquired from the Saints in November, has three of those return touchdowns. Kicker Jason Myers set the NFL record for most points by a kicker in a single season with 171, and punter Michael Dickson was a second-team All-Pro. The Seahawks also excelled in coverage, tying for the second-fewest punt returns allowed and fourth-fewest touchbacks.

  • The Seahawks hired Jay Harbaugh as their special teams coordinator in February 2024.
  • In the divisional round against the 49ers, Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown.
  • Ahead of the NFC championship game against the Rams, Harbaugh highlighted the Seahawks' special teams success.
  • In the 2025 regular season, Jason Myers set the NFL record for most points by a kicker in a single season with 171.
  • In the 2025 season, Michael Dickson was a second-team AP All-Pro selection as a punter.

The players

Jay Harbaugh

The Seahawks' special teams coordinator, who was hired in February 2024 after previously coaching special teams at Michigan.

Chris Stoll

The Seahawks' long snapper, who initially didn't like Harbaugh due to his college ties but has come to appreciate his ability to generate buy-in from the team.

Rashid Shaheed

A wide receiver the Seahawks acquired from the New Orleans Saints in November, who has returned three kickoffs for touchdowns in the playoffs.

Jason Myers

The Seahawks' kicker, who set the NFL record for most points by a kicker in a single season with 171.

Michael Dickson

The Seahawks' punter, who was a second-team AP All-Pro selection in 2025 after averaging 42.2 yards per punt and landing 20 of his 52 punts inside the 20-yard line.

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What they’re saying

“He is able to generate buy-in from guys, and that's also just the culture we have here in Seattle. We know that we can make a difference and an impact on special teams.”

— Chris Stoll, Seahawks long snapper

“The investment that they have, that they put in day in and day out, unselfishness and commitment to doing it right and respecting the opponent in the process, they deserve to have success.”

— Jay Harbaugh, Seahawks special teams coordinator

“They're studs. They're clearly two of the best in the world and their performance kind of reflects their work ethic.”

— Brady Russell, Seahawks special teams ace and fullback

“There's been a ton of games where we really flipped the game, got the momentum back. Or, it was a close game, and we really started the onslaught of points.”

— Jason Myers, Seahawks kicker

“It was a very, very easy decision to beg him to come to Seattle and be our special teams coordinator. And he's done a tremendous job since Day 1. You talk about chasing edges, this guy, that's how he operates all the time. Pushing the envelope, he pushes me. He's got a great perspective.”

— Mike Macdonald, Seahawks head coach

What’s next

The Seahawks will look to continue their special teams dominance in the Super Bowl as they aim to win their first championship since 2013.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' special teams units have been a driving force behind the team's success this season, providing a significant advantage that has helped propel them to the Super Bowl. Their ability to generate big plays and set records on special teams has been a key factor in their playoff run.