Patriots Tight End Set to Face Hometown Team in Super Bowl Showdown

Seattle native Jack Westover returns to the Super Bowl spotlight-this time on the opposite sideline-as the Patriots prepare to face his hometown Seahawks.

When Jack Westover steps onto the field for Super Bowl 60, he won’t just be playing for a ring-he’ll be lining up against the city that raised him.

Seattle fans know Westover well. The Snoqualmie native spent his college years just down the road at the University of Washington, where he went from walk-on to scholarship tight end and became a reliable target for the Huskies over six seasons. Now, he’s suiting up for the New England Patriots, the team standing between the Seahawks and their second Lombardi Trophy.

It’s a full-circle moment with a twist.

This Super Bowl marks the Seahawks’ fourth trip to the big game and a chance to avenge one of the most painful moments in franchise history. The last time Seattle faced New England on this stage, a late-game decision to throw instead of handing off to Marshawn Lynch at the 1-yard line ended in heartbreak-Malcolm Butler’s interception sealed the Patriots’ win and left Seattle stunned. That moment still lingers in the minds of Seahawks fans, and this rematch offers a shot at redemption.

But Westover, once a fan favorite in the Pacific Northwest, now finds himself on the other side.

The journey here wasn’t exactly smooth. After a solid college career-87 catches, 849 yards, and six touchdowns-Westover went undrafted in 2024.

He initially signed with the Seahawks but was waived with an injury settlement before the season began. Just over a month later, he landed on the Patriots’ practice squad, and by November, he was elevated to the active roster.

By January, he had carved out a role as New England’s starting fullback after switching positions from tight end.

His stat line this season won’t jump off the page-just one catch for zero yards-but Westover’s impact has come in the trenches. He’s been a key cog in a Patriots rushing attack that finished fifth in the league in yards per game (129.2). His blocking has helped open lanes for a ground game that’s been central to New England’s postseason push.

For Westover, this game is personal in more ways than one. He grew up in the shadow of Husky Stadium, attended O'Dea High in Seattle before transferring to Mount Si, and spent years playing in front of the same fans now hoping he doesn’t spoil their Super Bowl party.

It’s a rare dynamic-hometown kid turned opponent on the sport’s biggest stage. And while Westover’s role may not be flashy, it’s one that could quietly shape the outcome.

His blocking could spring a key run. His presence in the backfield could help set up play-action.

In a game where every detail matters, players like Westover often become difference-makers.

So when the Seahawks and Patriots kick off at 3:30 p.m. PT, Seattle fans will be watching closely-not just for revenge, but to see one of their own trying to play spoiler. Jack Westover’s path to the Super Bowl wasn’t conventional, but it’s led him right back to where it all began-this time, wearing the other team’s jersey.