Chicago-Area Natives Shine in Super Bowl Win

Two players from the Chicago region made key plays to help the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Three Chicago-area natives won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, and two made standout plays in the big game. Seahawks safety Julian Love, a Nazareth Academy graduate, sealed the win with a fourth-quarter interception. Defensive lineman Rylie Mills, a Lake Bluff native, recorded his first NFL sack during the Super Bowl. Another Chicago-area player, tight end Eric Saubert from Hoffman Estates, also suited up for the Seahawks.

Why it matters

The success of these Chicago-area players on the Super Bowl stage highlights the talent pipeline from the region and the ability of local athletes to make an impact at the highest level of the sport. It also provides inspiration for young football players in the Chicago area who aspire to follow in their footsteps.

The details

Julian Love, a safety for the Seahawks, made a key interception in the fourth quarter to help seal the Super Bowl victory. Rylie Mills, a defensive lineman, recorded his first NFL sack during the game. Eric Saubert, a tight end, also suited up for the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, though he did not record any catches.

  • Julian Love made his game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LX.
  • Rylie Mills recorded his first NFL sack during Super Bowl LX.
  • The Super Bowl was played on February 9, 2026.

The players

Julian Love

A safety for the Seattle Seahawks who is a native of the Chicago area and a graduate of Nazareth Academy.

Rylie Mills

A defensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks who is a native of suburban Lake Bluff, Illinois and a graduate of Lake Forest High School.

Eric Saubert

A tight end for the Seattle Seahawks who is a native of suburban Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“I'd be kidding you if I didn't dream of that in the backyard when I was 8, 9 years old, to see that ball in the air.”

— Julian Love (nbcchicago.com)

“I love where I come from. It took a village for me to get here. It means a lot. I feel the love. My family feels the love, for all the support.”

— Julian Love (nbcchicago.com)

“Better late than never.”

— Rylie Mills (nbcchicago.com)

“A year ago I wasn't even walking. So, it's just a testament to our coaching staff and the training staff to get me here. I think six months ago this wouldn't have seemed possible, but with their help, I mean I can't believe it.”

— Rylie Mills (nbcchicago.com)

“The first thing I screamed when he got his sack was 'luck of the Irish'.”

— Devinne Love, Julian Love's sister (nbcchicago.com)

The takeaway

The success of these Chicago-area players on the Super Bowl stage demonstrates the wealth of football talent in the region and the ability of local athletes to make an impact at the highest levels of the sport. Their stories provide inspiration for young players in the Chicago area who aspire to follow in their footsteps.