Super Bowl 60 isn’t just a clash of two storied franchises-it’s also a showcase of two of the most electric return men in the NFL, both of whom bring far more to the table than just special teams magic. When the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots take the field, keep your eyes on Rashid Shaheed and Marcus Jones-two dynamic playmakers who can flip the game in an instant, whether it’s on a return, in coverage, or even on offense.
Let’s start with Shaheed, who’s been nothing short of a revelation since landing in Seattle midseason. The Seahawks didn’t just pick up a return specialist-they added a Swiss Army knife.
With three return touchdowns split between kickoffs and punts, Shaheed has already made his presence felt in the return game. But that’s just the beginning.
He’s also been a weapon in Seattle’s offense, contributing as a wide receiver and even taking handoffs out of the backfield. His versatility forces defenses to account for him on every snap, and his speed?
That’s not just football fast-that’s track fast.
And that’s no coincidence. Shaheed comes from a family of runners, and it shows.
“I grew up running track,” Shaheed said. “Both my parents come from a track background, as well. Both my sisters run, so I feel like I was just kind of born to run.”
His specialty? The 200 and 400 meters-especially the 400, a race he admits he hated but excelled at. That kind of endurance and top-end speed translates beautifully to the football field, especially when you’re trying to outrun gunners or break away from coverage on a deep route.
Across the field, the Patriots have their own game-breaker in Marcus Jones. A two-time All-Pro as a punt returner, Jones has carved out a role as one of the most dangerous returners in the league.
He’s taken two punts to the house this season alone and has three in his career. While he no longer returns kickoffs, his punt return prowess continues to be a major weapon for New England.
But don’t pigeonhole him as just a return guy-Jones is also a key contributor in the Patriots’ secondary, primarily operating out of the slot.
Shaheed knows exactly what kind of threat Jones poses.
“Obviously he’s been a problem for teams all year,” Shaheed said. “Teams try to kick the ball away from him and you understand why.
He’s very explosive with the ball in his hands. He’s one of the best in the game for a reason, and we’re going to have to have a good plan for him.”
What makes this matchup even more intriguing is the possibility-however small-of seeing these two go head-to-head on offense. Since joining the Seahawks in November, Shaheed has lined up in the slot on 67 snaps.
That’s Jones’ territory on defense. Could we see a moment where two of the league’s most electrifying returners are lined up across from each other in a critical third-down situation?
“Yeah, I’m super excited about that opportunity,” Shaheed said. “Two returner specialists that can do other things outside of that.”
It’s rare to see two players so impactful on special teams who also contribute meaningfully in other phases of the game. That’s what makes this Super Bowl subplot so compelling. Whether it’s Shaheed breaking loose on a jet sweep or Jones flipping the field with a punt return, these two have the potential to tilt the momentum in a heartbeat.
And while Seahawks fans would prefer Jones keeps his fireworks to a minimum, there’s no denying the excitement these two bring. This isn’t just about field position-it’s about two elite athletes who can turn a routine play into a game-changing moment. On a stage as big as this, don’t be surprised if one of them delivers a highlight that lives on long after the confetti falls.