Former Seahawks QB Hasselbeck reflects on Super Bowl XL loss

Hasselbeck says he would have handled referee calls better in the team's 2006 Super Bowl defeat

Feb. 7, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck reflected on his team's loss in Super Bowl XL in 2006, saying the one thing he would have done differently is not losing his poise over controversial referee calls. Hasselbeck, who led the Seahawks to a 13-3 regular season record that year, threw for 273 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception in the 21-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He said he got too upset over the officiating and it impacted his play, leading to a key interception. Hasselbeck said he learned from that experience to stay composed no matter what happens, a lesson that has helped him both as an athlete and as a father.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' loss in Super Bowl XL was a tough moment in franchise history, but Hasselbeck's reflections provide insight into how players can learn from difficult experiences and apply those lessons to their personal and professional lives going forward.

The details

In the 2006 Super Bowl, Hasselbeck completed 26 of 49 passes for 273 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception as the Seahawks fell to the Steelers 21-10. Hasselbeck said he lost his composure over some controversial referee calls, leading to a key interception that further hurt the team's chances. He said that experience taught him to stay poised no matter what happens, a lesson he has applied both as an athlete and as a father.

  • The Seahawks' first Super Bowl appearance was in 2006 at Super Bowl XL.
  • The Seahawks returned to the Super Bowl in 2013 and 2014, winning in 2013 but losing in 2014.

The players

Matt Hasselbeck

A former Pro Bowl quarterback who led the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance in 2006.

Seattle Seahawks

An NFL franchise that has made four Super Bowl appearances, winning one championship in 2013.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think there's anything that I would have done differently other than maybe not losing my poise. There were a couple of calls in the game that didn't go our way, and I lost my cool on the referee and didn't regain my poise by the time the 40-second clock had, you know, it was time to snap the next play.”

— Matt Hasselbeck, Former Seahawks Quarterback

What’s next

The Seahawks will look to even their Super Bowl record when they face the New England Patriots on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The takeaway

Hasselbeck's experience in Super Bowl XL shows how keeping composure in the face of adversity can be just as important as physical talent, a lesson he has applied not just to his own athletic career but also to his life as a father.