If there's one thing history has taught us about the Super Bowl, it's that the brightest lights sometimes shine on the least-expected names. Every year, amid the star quarterbacks and marquee matchups, someone steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Think Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl XLIX - the undrafted rookie who sealed a Patriots win with a goal-line interception that still echoes through NFL lore.
With the Patriots and Seahawks set to meet again on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium, the stage is set for another unsung hero to write their name into Super Bowl history. Here are four under-the-radar players who could be the difference-makers in Super Bowl LX.
Kyle Williams, WR, Patriots
When you talk about explosive potential, Kyle Williams has it in spades. The rookie wideout hasn’t seen a ton of action, but when he’s on the field, he’s a threat to flip the game with a single play.
Williams played just 15 snaps in the AFC Championship against Denver and has only one postseason catch to his name. But don’t let the limited volume fool you.
During the regular season, three of his 10 receptions went for touchdowns - and none of them were short. Each one covered at least 30 yards, including a 72-yard burner that showcased his top-end speed.
He averaged a jaw-dropping 20.9 yards per catch.
In a game where the Patriots’ top targets - Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and DeMario Douglas - will be challenged by a deep and athletic Seahawks secondary, Williams could be the X-factor. If rookie quarterback Drake Maye can find him on a deep shot or two, it could crack the game wide open.
AJ Barner, TE, Seahawks
AJ Barner isn’t the flashiest name on Seattle’s offense, but he might be one of the most important come Super Bowl Sunday. While his playoff production has been quiet - just two catches for 13 yards - the numbers from the regular season tell a different story.
Barner logged more offensive snaps than any other Seahawks skill player this year (933), and he was a top-10 tight end in both touchdowns (six) and total EPA generated (55.05), per SumerSports. In other words, when Seattle needed production, Barner delivered.
And here’s where it gets interesting: the Patriots’ defense, while dominant in the playoffs, struggled all season against tight ends. They ranked in the bottom third of the league in targets, receptions, and yards allowed to the position. More importantly, they were especially vulnerable in the red zone, giving up a 124.4 passer rating when tight ends were targeted inside the 20 - 29th in the NFL, according to TruMedia.
That weakness lines up perfectly with Barner’s strengths. He led the Seahawks in red-zone receiving yards this season. If Seattle gets inside the 20, don’t be surprised if Barner becomes a go-to option.
Marcus Jones, CB/PR, Patriots
Special teams often get overlooked in big games - until someone breaks one. Marcus Jones has the kind of game-breaking ability that can tilt the field in a heartbeat.
Jones earned second-team All-Pro honors this season as a punt returner, and for good reason. He averaged 17.3 yards per return and took two punts to the house in 2025.
His career average of 14.3 yards per return is the highest in NFL history. That’s not just elite - that’s historic.
But Jones isn’t just a return specialist. He’s also a key piece of New England’s secondary.
Across the regular season and playoffs, he’s totaled 79 tackles, 15 pass breakups, three sacks, and four interceptions - including a pick-six off C.J. Stroud in the divisional round.
In a game where field position could be everything, Jones gives the Patriots an edge in the return game - and a playmaker on defense who’s capable of changing the game in an instant.
Derick Hall, LB, Seahawks
Seattle’s defense is loaded with star power, but Derick Hall might be the sleeper who makes the biggest impact in the trenches.
Hall led all Seahawks pass-rushers in pressure rate during the regular season (14.6%), per Next Gen Stats. He showed up in a big way in Week 18 against the 49ers, notching a sack and three quarterback hits in a must-win game. He’s got the burst and bend to be a problem off the edge - and he might have the matchup to exploit.
Hall typically lines up on the right side of Seattle’s front, which puts him across from Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell. Campbell had a solid regular season, giving up just five quarterback hits in 13 games.
But in the playoffs, it’s been a different story. He’s allowed three sacks and 11 pressures - both the most among all offensive linemen.
Since suffering a knee injury late in the season, Campbell hasn’t looked quite right. And with guys like Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy commanding double-teams inside, Hall could find himself in one-on-one situations. If he wins those matchups - and he’s shown he can - he could be a game-wrecker.
Bottom Line
The stars will get their headlines, but Super Bowl LX could very well hinge on the performances of players like Williams, Barner, Jones, and Hall. Whether it’s a deep touchdown, a red-zone mismatch, a game-changing return, or a critical sack, don’t be surprised if one of these names becomes the next chapter in Super Bowl lore.