Patriots Stunned in Super Bowl Defeat

Locker room reaction reveals pain and pride after crushing loss to Seahawks

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The New England Patriots' storybook season ended in heartbreak as they fell to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. The locker room was filled with a palpable sense of disappointment and numbness as players struggled to process the defeat. Despite the crushing loss, the Patriots expressed pride in their unexpected run to the championship game and the brotherhood they had built throughout the season.

Why it matters

The Patriots' Super Bowl appearance was a remarkable turnaround from their 4-13 record the previous season, and their journey to the big game captivated fans. This loss, while devastating, showcases the emotional rollercoaster of professional sports and the resilience required to bounce back from such a crushing defeat.

The details

The Patriots' offense struggled mightily, with quarterback Drake Maye playing through an injury and the team failing to find a rhythm. Defensive standouts like safety Craig Woodson put forth valiant efforts, but the Seahawks ultimately made more plays. Several Patriots players, including offensive lineman Will Campbell and wide receiver Jared Wilson, opted not to speak with the media, overwhelmed by the disappointment.

  • The Super Bowl LX game was played on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Jaylinn Hawkins

A Patriots defensive back who expressed feeling "numb" after the loss.

Craig Woodson

A Patriots safety who led the team with 10 tackles, including 3 for a loss, and said he felt "sick" after the defeat.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' second-year quarterback, who played through an injury and had a mixed performance, with 2 touchdown passes but 3 turnovers.

Mike Vrabel

The Patriots' head coach, who was seen consoling Maye in the locker room after the game.

Carlton Davis

A Patriots cornerback who acknowledged the sting of the loss but expressed optimism about the team's bright future.

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What they’re saying

“I just feel numb. I feel like everybody played their hearts out. Everybody did what they could do and try to go as hard as they can, so I really just feel numb. Numb. Numb. Numb.”

— Jaylinn Hawkins, Patriots defensive back (Boston.com)

“I'm sick, man. This is something that you work so hard for. It's something that you know you have in the grasp of your hands, but they got it. They won today. Kudos to them, they made more plays than us, but I feel sick, bro.”

— Craig Woodson, Patriots safety (Boston.com)

“Nobody thought that we would be here. Obviously we didn't get the job done, and that [expletive] stings. That [expletive] is never going to not sting. But we've got a bright future. We've got a lot of great young players coming in and taking the league by storm.”

— Carlton Davis, Patriots cornerback (Boston.com)

“We built a family, for real. That's what I would say. We built that. It's just, the family didn't get the outcome they wanted.”

— Jaylinn Hawkins, Patriots defensive back (Boston.com)

“It's been an unbelievable journey, not just for me, but my kids as well. They got to gain an uncle in Will [Campbell]. They gained friends in the locker room. I think that's the beauty of it all, you don't necessarily know what you're walking into in a new locker room and it turns out to be the best thing you ever had. I tell the guys to cherish these moments because these are moments that you'll never forget.”

— Morgan Moses, Patriots offensive tackle (Boston.com)

What’s next

The Patriots will need to regroup and address key offseason needs, including potentially re-signing or replacing key free agents, in order to build on their unexpected Super Bowl run and make another championship push next season.

The takeaway

Despite the heartbreaking Super Bowl defeat, the Patriots' remarkable turnaround season and the strong bonds they forged in the locker room have laid the foundation for a promising future. The team's resilience and sense of brotherhood will be crucial as they look to bounce back and contend for a title once again.