In a surprising twist ahead of Super Bowl LX, Hollywood heavyweight Mark Wahlberg has sent a special gift to the entire Seattle Seahawks roster, aiming to rally the team as they prepare for their championship showdown against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The gesture, while unexpected given Wahlberg’s well-documented lifelong devotion to the Patriots, has sparked widespread discussion across NFL circles, social media, and fan communities, blending admiration, confusion, and lighthearted trash talk in equal measure.
Sources close to the Seahawks organization confirmed that a large package arrived at the team’s headquarters in Renton earlier this week, addressed personally to head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Sam Darnold. Inside were dozens of custom high-end items designed to motivate and unite the squad during the intense buildup to football’s biggest stage.
The gift included personalized Seahawks-branded hoodies and jackets embroidered with motivational phrases such as “Finish the Job” and “12 Strong,” premium wireless earbuds for each player to use during travel and workouts, and a collection of Wahlberg’s signature Wahlburgers gift cards loaded with generous balances.
A handwritten note accompanied the delivery, reading in part: “To the Seahawks – You’ve earned this moment. Go out there, play with heart, and make it one for the ages. Respect always, Mark Wahlberg.”
The move stands out because Wahlberg has long been one of the most vocal and visible Patriots supporters in entertainment. The Boston native has attended countless games at Gillette Stadium, appeared in team-related content, hosted watch parties, and even famously left Super Bowl LI early (missing the legendary 28-3 comeback) due to family reasons before later joking about it. His public allegiance to New England runs deep, tied to his roots and friendships with former players like Tom Brady. Yet here he is, extending goodwill to their Super Bowl opponent.
When reached for comment through his representatives, Wahlberg kept his statement brief but gracious. “Football is bigger than any one team or fanbase,” he said. “The Seahawks have fought hard all season to get here, and I respect that grind. I wanted to send something to show appreciation for the game we all love. No hidden agenda—just good vibes for a great matchup.” He declined to elaborate further, but insiders suggest the gesture may stem from a broader sense of sportsmanship amid what many view as a classic underdog-versus-dynasty narrative.
The Seahawks enter Super Bowl LX as slight underdogs despite a strong postseason run. After finishing the regular season with an impressive record and navigating tough playoff battles, Seattle has leaned on a balanced attack featuring Darnold’s steady play under center, a dynamic receiving corps led by DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and a ferocious defense anchored by stars like Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen. The team’s “12s” fanbase has been electric throughout the journey, and Wahlberg’s package reportedly arrived at a perfect time—right as players and coaches were finalizing preparations and looking for any edge in morale.
Players reacted positively when the items were distributed in the locker room. Several posted photos on social media, showing off the custom gear and thanking Wahlberg for the surprise. One veteran lineman shared, “Didn’t see this coming from a Pats guy, but respect. It’s all love in the name of the game.” Darnold himself acknowledged the gift during a brief media availability, smiling as he said, “It’s cool to get that kind of recognition. Shows how big this moment is when even the other side tips their cap. We’re focused on Sunday, but yeah—appreciate it.”
The timing adds an intriguing layer to the matchup. New England, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye in a breakout season, has reestablished itself as a powerhouse under head coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots boast a high-powered offense, a stingy defense, and the experience of having been to the Super Bowl multiple times in recent memory. Many analysts expected Wahlberg to double down on his Patriots loyalty, perhaps sending a similar care package to Foxborough or posting a fiery pre-game message.
Instead, his outreach to Seattle has been interpreted by some as a classy nod to competition, by others as a subtle psychological play, and by a few humorous fans as “Wahlberg hedging his bets just in case.”
Social media erupted with reactions ranging from memes joking about Wahlberg “going rogue” to serious discussions about celebrity influence in sports. Patriots fans expressed mock betrayal (“Marky Mark, say it ain’t so!”), while Seahawks supporters welcomed the unexpected support (“Even Boston knows we’re winning this one”). The gesture has also fueled lighthearted banter between the two fanbases, with references to past Super Bowl clashes—including Super Bowl XLIX, where the Patriots edged out the Seahawks on a goal-line interception that still stings in Seattle.
Beyond the immediate buzz, the move highlights how Super Bowl week often brings out unique crossovers between Hollywood and the NFL. Celebrities frequently align with teams, but rare instances of bipartisan gestures stand out. Wahlberg’s history with the Patriots makes this one particularly noteworthy—he’s not known for spreading the love equally. Whether it’s genuine admiration for Seattle’s journey, a desire to celebrate the sport broadly, or simply good timing on a thoughtful gift, the package has added an extra spark to an already anticipated championship game.
As kickoff approaches, both teams remain laser-focused on execution, preparation, and executing their game plans. Yet Wahlberg’s surprise delivery serves as a reminder of the broader community that surrounds the NFL—the fans, the stars, the shared passion that transcends rivalries. In a week filled with hype, predictions, and pressure, a simple box of hoodies, jackets, and encouragement from one of Hollywood’s biggest names has managed to inject a dose of positivity and humanity into the buildup.
Whatever happens on the field Sunday, the story of Mark Wahlberg’s unexpected gesture to the Seahawks will linger as one of the more memorable off-field moments of Super Bowl LX. It underscores that even in the heat of competition, respect and goodwill can find a way to shine through.
