Six Under-the-Radar Players Who Could Steal the Show at Super Bowl 60
While the Super Bowl 60 spotlight naturally shines on marquee names like Drake Maye and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the narrative of American football's grandest spectacle is frequently rewritten by unheralded heroes. This Sunday's championship clash between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks could well be decided by players operating outside the usual limelight.
The Legacy of the Unlikely Hero
Super Bowl history is rich with tales of unexpected stars seizing their moment. Last season, Milton Williams delivered a dominant defensive performance for the Philadelphia Eagles against Kansas City, a display that earned him a lucrative move to New England. The Kansas City Chiefs' recent dynasty was built on such moments; Mecole Hardman's overtime touchdown secured victory in Super Bowl 58, while Kadarius Toney's pivotal reception and punt return were crucial the year prior.
This tradition stretches back decades. From unlikely Most Valuable Players like Larry Brown and Malcolm Smith, to Timmy Smith's record 204 rushing yards in his first career start for Washington, to David Tyree's iconic "helmet catch" that shattered New England's perfect season dream. The stage is set for a new chapter this weekend.
Potential Patriots Heroes
Mack Hollins, Wide Receiver: Now with his fifth team in five years, Hollins is the epitome of an unsung contributor. Known for his unique off-field habits, he has evolved from a special teams ace to a reliable receiver, securing 46 catches for 550 yards this season. His clutch ability is proven, converting eight of nine critical third or fourth-down receptions into first downs.
Craig Woodson, Safety: The fourth-round rookie from Cal has been a revelation, playing more defensive snaps than any other Patriot during the regular season. Solid in all phases, he elevated his game in the playoffs, most notably with crucial coverage on a pivotal fourth-down stop in the AFC title game that swung momentum decisively.
Khyiris Tonga, Defensive Tackle: In his first season with New England, Tonga has been a cornerstone of their formidable run defence. A powerful presence on the interior line, he even contributes on offence as a blocking fullback, showcasing rare versatility that could prove invaluable in short-yardage situations.
Potential Seahawks Heroes
Drake Thomas, Linebacker: An undrafted gem in his third year, Thomas has become indispensable to Seattle's defence, starting 16 games. He orchestrated a season-defining play with a red-zone interception to clinch the division title in Week 18. With 3.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, he is a disruptive force against both run and pass.
Michael Dickson, Punter: The Seahawks' longest-serving player earned second-team All-Pro honours this season and has been phenomenal in the playoffs. In the NFC championship, he pinned the Rams inside their 20-yard line on four of five punts. His precision has forced opponents to start drives, on average, inside their own 15-yard line this postseason.
George Holani, Running Back: Thrust into a larger role after Zach Charbonnet's season-ending injury, Holani played a career-high 23 offensive snaps in the NFC title game. His three receptions matched his total from his first two seasons, and his superior pass-blocking skills could see him heavily utilised on third downs against New England's aggressive defence.
As the world tunes in for Super Bowl 60, while the stars will command attention, it may well be one of these six individuals who etches their name into NFL folklore with a performance that defies expectation and decides the destination of the Lombardi Trophy.
