The New York Giants are heading into the 2026 offseason with something they haven’t had in a while: optimism. The hiring of John Harbaugh as head coach has injected real energy into the franchise, and for the first time in years, there’s a sense that the Giants are building toward something meaningful. But while the team has a few weeks to go before free agency officially opens, Giants fans watching Super Bowl 60 were reminded of a familiar face - and not in the way they might’ve expected.
Late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl 60, with the Patriots trailing 19-7 and desperately trying to mount a comeback, rookie quarterback Drake Maye launched a deep ball over the middle. It was a risky throw, and it came up short. Waiting underneath it was Seahawks safety Julian Love - yes, that Julian Love - who stepped in front of the pass and came down with the interception that effectively sealed Seattle’s championship.
For Love, it was the kind of moment players dream about. For Giants fans, it was a mix of pride and maybe a little frustration.
Love, of course, began his NFL journey with the Giants. Drafted in 2019, he quickly became a steady presence in the secondary.
But when Joe Schoen took over as general manager, he made it clear he was going to reshape the roster. That meant saying goodbye to several key contributors - including Love, who was allowed to walk in free agency after the 2022 season.
That decision didn’t go unnoticed at the time, and it certainly won’t be forgotten now. Since joining the Seahawks, Love has thrived.
He earned his first Pro Bowl nod in his debut season with Seattle and locked in a three-year, $36 million contract extension. Now, he’s a Super Bowl champion - and not just as a passenger, but as a player who made the play to clinch the title.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Giants fans who’ve watched the team struggle over the past few seasons. Schoen’s roster overhaul also included moving on from stars like Saquon Barkley, Xavier McKinney, and Leonard Williams. While the long-term vision is still taking shape, seeing one of those former players hoist the Lombardi Trophy - and be the hero in doing so - is bound to stir up some emotions.
That said, there are signs of life in New York. The Giants do have a promising core to build around.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart showed flashes of potential in his rookie campaign. Running back Cam Skattebo brought toughness and versatility to the backfield.
And on defense, the duo of Brian Burns and Abdul Carter gives the Giants a disruptive front that could anchor the unit for years to come.
Now it’s up to Harbaugh and his staff to bring it all together. His track record speaks for itself - physical teams, disciplined football, and a culture that demands accountability. If he can instill that in this young Giants roster, the turnaround might come sooner than expected.
But for now, Giants fans can take a moment to tip their cap to Julian Love. He may be wearing different colors these days, but his play in Super Bowl 60 was a reminder of the kind of talent that once roamed the Meadowlands. And who knows - maybe it’s also a sign that the Giants’ next championship moment isn’t as far off as it once seemed.