NFL Fans Spot 'Scripted' Super Bowl Clues in September Graphic
United States, 26 January 2026
American football enthusiasts have discovered what they believe is definitive proof that the NFL predetermined its championship game outcome. A promotional graphic posted in September 2025 positioned New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold closest to the Super Bowl trophy and stadium. With both teams having 60-1 odds before the season and creating the most unlikely championship pairing in NFL history at combined 4,800-1 odds, conspiracy theorists argue this cannot be mere coincidence. The discovery has reignited debate about whether professional sports outcomes are genuinely unpredictable or carefully orchestrated entertainment.
The September Revelation Sparks Internet Frenzy
The controversial graphic, posted by the NFL’s official account on 4 September 2025, depicted players from all 32 teams gazing toward Levi’s Stadium with the caption ‘32 teams with February dreams. We’re so back’ [1][2]. While prominent players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Saquon Barkley dominated the foreground, eagle-eyed fans noticed two quarterbacks positioned closest to the stadium and Lombardi Trophy: Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks and Drake Maye of the New England Patriots [1][2][3]. The discovery gained momentum on social media platforms, with one Patriots fan account tweeting ‘They really gave us the script in September’ [2][3], while another post declared ‘The script writers have done it again’ [3]. NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson acknowledged the coincidence, posting ‘Yep, this is really from September. Look all the way up front…’ [3].
Historical Context of NFL Conspiracy Theories
This latest theory builds upon the established ‘Super Bowl logo conspiracy’ that has captivated football fans for years [1][4]. The original theory suggested that the colours in the annual Super Bowl logo predict the two competing teams [1]. Previous examples include Super Bowl LVI in 2022, where the logo colours of red, orange, and yellow matched the Los Angeles Rams (blue and yellow) and Cincinnati Bengals (orange and black) [1]. Similarly, Super Bowl LVII in 2023 featured logo colours of red, pink, teal, and orangey-red that corresponded with the Kansas City Chiefs (red) and Philadelphia Eagles (green) [1]. However, the theory faltered with Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, when the logo’s purple and pinkish-red colours failed to predict the Chiefs versus 49ers matchup, leading some theorists to suggest the Baltimore Ravens were deliberately eliminated to ensure Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s presence [1].
Record-Breaking Odds Make Case More Compelling
The mathematical improbability of this matchup has strengthened conspiracy theorists’ arguments significantly. Both the Patriots and Seahawks entered the 2025 season with 60-1 odds to reach the Super Bowl, creating a combined probability of 4,800-1 for this specific pairing [4]. According to Pro Football Reference, this marks the first time in NFL history that both Super Bowl teams had pre-season odds of 60-1 or worse [4]. The Patriots’ journey proved particularly remarkable, as they became the first team to advance to a Super Bowl after losing 13 games in the previous season [4]. Neither team had won a playoff game since 2019 before their current championship runs [2]. The Seahawks required three consecutive victories against the Los Angeles Rams to secure their Super Bowl berth, with Darnold delivering perhaps the best performance of his career in the NFC Championship Game [4].
Sceptics Point to Graphic’s Broader Context
Despite the conspiracy theories gaining traction, closer examination of the September graphic reveals additional players positioned near the front, including New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers and Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter [1]. Some analysts argue that Baker Mayfield appeared closer to the trophy than Darnold in the original image [2]. Critics suggest the positioning of Maye and Darnold alongside players from less successful franchises like the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans indicates the NFL likely discounted both teams rather than predicted their success [2]. The graphic prominently featured established stars such as Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen closer to marquee players like Mahomes and Barkley than to the eventual Super Bowl quarterbacks [2]. As one analysis noted, ‘Why let the finer details get in the way of a good conspiracy theory, though?’ [2]. Super Bowl LX is scheduled for 8 February 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California [1], where these two unlikely champions will compete in a rematch of their memorable Super Bowl XLIX encounter from eleven years ago [3].