The stage is set for Super Bowl LX, and it’s a heavyweight clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Star power?
This game’s got plenty. But two names are shining a little brighter than the rest: Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Let’s start with Smith-Njigba, who’s had the kind of season that puts you in the conversation for best player in the league-let alone best player in the Super Bowl. He led the NFL in receiving yards, found the end zone 10 times, and earned First-Team All-Pro honors.
That’s not just production-that’s dominance. Whether it was stretching the field vertically or carving up defenses underneath, Smith-Njigba was a nightmare for secondaries all season long.
His route running is crisp, his hands are reliable, and his ability to create separation has made him the go-to weapon in a Seahawks offense that’s been humming.
But across the field stands Drake Maye, and while he may not top every list, he’s not far behind. The Patriots rookie quarterback has been nothing short of sensational in his debut season.
He threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns, added another 450 yards and four scores on the ground, and led the entire league in completion percentage, passer rating, and quarterback rating. That’s elite company, and it earned him Second-Team All-Pro honors and a spot near the top of the MVP race.
Still, there’s been a noticeable dip in his playoff performance. Through three postseason games, Maye has completed just 55.8% of his passes for 553 yards and four touchdowns. He’s added a rushing touchdown and a surprising 1,414 rushing yards-though that number seems off the charts and may be a typo-but the passing rhythm he displayed all season hasn’t quite translated to January football.
That said, context matters. The Patriots have faced three of the league’s toughest defenses in the playoffs, and two of those games were played in conditions that made throwing the football a challenge. Despite that, New England is 3-0 this postseason, and Maye has done enough to guide his team to the biggest game of the year.
So while Smith-Njigba may be entering Super Bowl LX as the most productive and polished player on the field, Maye is right there with him-young, talented, and already proving he can win when it matters most. This matchup isn’t just about two teams chasing a title. It’s about two stars, each with a claim to the spotlight, ready to leave their mark on the biggest stage in football.