Controversy Erupts Over Super Bowl 60 Coin Toss

Internet claims Seahawks' Cooper Kupp was wronged on the call

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Super Bowl 60 coin toss between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks has sparked controversy online, with many believing Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp called "heads" but the referee ruled it as "tails." The coin landed on heads, giving the Patriots the opening possession, which has led to accusations of cheating and the fix being in for the big game.

Why it matters

The coin toss is a crucial moment in the Super Bowl, as it determines which team gets the ball first. With so much money and attention on the game, any perceived unfairness or controversy can quickly blow up on social media and cast doubt on the integrity of the NFL's biggest event.

The details

On the NBC broadcast, it sounded like Kupp said "heads" when the referee asked for the call, but the ref ruled it as "tails." However, upon further review, Kupp is clearly heard saying "tails," and the referee correctly confirmed the call. Despite this, many NFL fans online still believe Kupp was wronged and that the Patriots benefited from a favorable ruling.

  • The coin toss took place at the start of Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026.

The players

Cooper Kupp

A veteran wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who participated in the Super Bowl 60 coin toss.

New England Patriots

The team that won the Super Bowl 60 coin toss and received the opening possession of the game.

Seattle Seahawks

The team that lost the Super Bowl 60 coin toss, despite some fans believing they should have won it.

Joe Montana

The honorary coin flipper for the Super Bowl 60 coin toss.

NFL

The professional football league that oversees the Super Bowl and the coin toss procedures.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The NFL has not commented on the controversy surrounding the Super Bowl 60 coin toss, but it is likely that the league will review the footage and audio to confirm that the correct call was made on the field.

The takeaway

While the internet may be quick to cry foul, the evidence suggests that the Super Bowl 60 coin toss was handled properly by the officials. However, the controversy highlights the intense scrutiny and skepticism that surrounds the NFL's biggest game, where even the smallest perceived injustice can spark outrage online.