If you’re a football fan, you probably remember exactly where you were on February 2, 2014. It was the night the "Legion of Boom" became immortal. For those asking has Seattle Seahawks ever won Super Bowl honors, the answer is a resounding yes, though they’ve only hoisted the Lombardi Trophy once in their nearly 50-year history.
That single victory was anything but a nail-biter. It was a 43-8 demolition of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Honestly, it was over from the very first snap of the game. When the ball sailed over Peyton Manning’s head for a safety just seconds after kickoff, the vibe shifted instantly. Seattle didn't just win; they dismantled a historically great offense.
But that’s only one part of the story. The Seahawks' relationship with the Super Bowl is actually defined by extremes—one dominant blowout and two of the most controversial, "what-if" losses in NFL history.
The Night the Seahawks Ruled the World
The 2013 season felt different for Seattle. Pete Carroll had built a defensive juggernaut. They had Russell Wilson on a rookie contract, Marshawn Lynch "Beast-Moding" through linebackers, and a secondary that essentially told receivers, "You aren't catching anything today."
When they reached Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium, they were the underdogs. Everyone was talking about Peyton Manning’s record-breaking season.
Then the game started.
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Safety. Field goal. Another field goal. Then Marshawn Lynch punched in a touchdown. By the time Malcolm Smith—an unheralded linebacker who eventually won MVP—intercepted Manning and took it 69 yards for a score, the lead was 22-0.
Percy Harvin then opened the second half with an 87-yard kickoff return touchdown. At 29-0, the Denver sideline looked like they’d seen a ghost. The final score was 43-8. It remains one of the most lopsided championships ever. If you want to know if the Seahawks have ever won a Super Bowl, that’s your definitive "Yes."
The Roster That Made History
- Quarterback: Russell Wilson (18/25, 206 yards, 2 TDs)
- MVP: Malcolm Smith (9 tackles, INT for TD, fumble recovery)
- The Defense: Held a 600-point offense to a single touchdown
The Heartbreak at the One-Yard Line
Ask any Seahawks fan about Super Bowl XLIX, and you’ll see a physical wince. It’s arguably the most famous play in football history, for all the wrong reasons if you’re from the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle was on the verge of back-to-back titles. They were down 28-24 against the New England Patriots with under a minute left. Jermaine Kearse had just made a miracle "circus catch" while lying on his back, putting the ball at the 5-yard line. Marshawn Lynch then ran it to the 1.
The world expected a handoff to Lynch. Instead, the Seahawks called a slant pass. Russell Wilson threw it, and rookie Malcolm Butler stepped in front of Ricardo Lockette for the interception.
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Game over.
It was a staggering emotional 180. One moment, they were seconds away from a dynasty; the next, they were watching Tom Brady celebrate. This loss is why the question of has Seattle Seahawks ever won Super Bowl games often comes with a bit of a "yeah, but..." from local fans. They know it should have been two.
Super Bowl XL: The "Fifth Official" Controversy
Long before the Wilson-Carroll era, the Seahawks made their first Super Bowl appearance in 2006 (for the 2005 season). They faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL.
This game is remembered mostly for the officiating. It was... rough. Several key calls went against Seattle, including a nullified touchdown by Darrell Jackson and a controversial low-block penalty on quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Years later, referee Bill Leavy actually admitted he "kicked" two calls in the fourth quarter that impacted the game. Seattle lost 21-10. It left a bitter taste in the city for nearly a decade until the 2013 team finally cleared the air.
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Why the Seahawks' Success Still Matters
Since that 2013-2014 peak, the Seahawks have remained incredibly consistent. Even after Pete Carroll moved on and Mike Macdonald took over, the expectations in Seattle remain high. They haven't been back to the big game since the Butler interception, but they’ve rarely been out of the playoff hunt.
The franchise has evolved from an expansion team in 1976 that struggled for relevance to a powerhouse that define the "12th Man" culture.
Quick Stats for the Record
- Total Wins: 1 (Super Bowl XLVIII)
- Total Appearances: 3 (XL, XLVIII, XLIX)
- Division Titles: Over 10 since joining the NFC West in 2002
- Overall Playoff Appearances: 21 as of the 2025 season
Common Misconceptions About the Seahawks' Record
A lot of casual fans think the Seahawks have always been an NFC team. Nope. They actually spent decades in the AFC West. In fact, they are the only team to have played in both the AFC and NFC Championship games.
Another weird one: people forget how young this team is compared to the "Old Guard" like the Packers or Steelers. For a team that started in the 70s, having three Super Bowl appearances and a ring puts them ahead of plenty of older franchises like the Lions or Vikings who are still searching for that first Lombardi.
Moving Forward: What to Watch
The Seahawks entered the 2025 season with a fresh look and a high seed in the playoffs. The legacy of the 2013 win still hangs in the rafters at Lumen Field, serving as the benchmark for every new draft class. Whether they can get back to the Super Bowl soon depends on the development of their young core and finding that defensive identity again.
If you’re looking to track their progress, keep an eye on their defensive EPA (Expected Points Added). It was the calling card of their championship run, and under the current coaching staff, it's becoming a priority once more.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Playoff Bracket: If it's January, the Seahawks are likely in the mix. See where they land in the current NFC standings.
- Rewatch the XLVIII Highlights: If you want to see pure defensive dominance, find the "Sound FX" version of the 2013 Super Bowl. It’s a masterclass.
- Visit the Stadium: If you're ever in Seattle, the stadium tour gives you a close-up look at the Lombardi Trophy. It’s worth the ticket price just to see the ring collection.
The answer to has Seattle Seahawks ever won Super Bowl is a proud yes, backed by one of the most dominant performances the sport has ever seen. While the heartbreak of Super Bowl XLIX still lingers, that 43-8 trophy isn't going anywhere.