Unheralded players who could be the heroes of Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl

If past Super Bowls have taught us anything, it's that unheralded heroes are a thing. Time and again, we've seen under-the-radar players become stars by making a franchise-altering play on football's biggest stage.

The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks experienced this firsthand 11 years ago during their last Super Bowl showdown, when then-undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler intercepted a Russell Wilson pass at the goal line in the dying seconds to give New England another Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Who could be the next Butler? As the Patriots and Seahawks prepare for their Feb. 8 showdown at Levi's Stadium, here are four candidates who could become unsung Super Bowl LX heroes.

Kyle Williams, WR, Patriots

Williams hasn't seen many snaps, but the big-play ability showcased by the third-round rookie in the regular season might be a difference-maker for the Patriots if Drake Maye can find him in the Super Bowl.

Williams played only 15 snaps in the AFC title game against the Denver Broncos and has hauled in just one of his four postseason targets. Still, all it takes is one big play to shift a big game, and that's where the speedster could shine.

Three of Williams' 10 catches during the regular season went for a touchdown, with each score covering at least 30 yards, including a 72-yarder. Williams averaged 20.9 yards per reception this campaign.

The Patriots' top wide receivers - Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and DeMario Douglas - have a tough matchup ahead against the Seahawks' deep secondary. Exploring Williams' big-play threat on go routes could be huge for Maye to surprise Seattle.

AJ Barner, TE, Seahawks

Barner has become an afterthought on the Seahawks' offense over their playoff run, recording two catches on three targets for 13 yards in two games. However, he was crucial to Seattle's regular-season success and could break out in the Super Bowl.

The 23-year-old has played 933 offensive snaps this season - the most among all Seahawks skill-position players. Barner also ranked top 10 in touchdowns (six) and total EPA generated (55.05) among all tight ends, according to SumerSports.

While the Patriots' defense has been dominant throughout this playoff run, it showed vulnerability against tight ends during the regular season. New England placed in the bottom 11 in targets, receptions, and receiving yards allowed to the position, with its struggles even more pronounced in the red zone. When TEs were targeted inside the 20-yard line, the Patriots surrendered a 124.4 passer rating, ranking 29th in the NFL, per TruMedia. That weakness aligns directly with Barner's strengths, as he led Seattle in red-zone receiving yards this campaign.

Marcus Jones, CB/PR, Patriots

Quality special teams will be on full display at Super Bowl LX, and not just because of Seahawks return specialist Rashid Shaheed. The Patriots also roster an elite returner in Jones, who earned a second-team All-Pro nod as a punt returner this season.

Jones averaged 17.3 yards per punt return and scored two return touchdowns in 2025. His career punt return average is now at 14.3 - the highest in NFL history.

Oh, and the 27-year-old is also a quality cornerback in New England's secondary. Combining the regular season and playoffs this campaign, he's registered 79 tackles, 15 pass breakups, three sacks, and four interceptions, including a pick-6 off C.J. Stroud in the divisional round.

Derick Hall, LB, Seahawks

Seattle's defense is loaded with top-end talent, but Hall is an under-the-radar player who could play a crucial role in the Super Bowl. The 24-year-old's 14.6% pressure rate in the regular season ranked first on the team among qualifying pass-rushers, according to Next Gen Stats. He delivered in the Seahawks' crucial Week 18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, totaling one sack and three quarterback hits.

Hall primarily lines up on the right side of Seattle's defense and will presumably square off against rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell. New England's first-round lineman had a solid regular season, surrendering just five quarterback hits in 13 contests. However, it's been a different story in the playoffs, as he's allowed the most sacks (three) and pressures (11) among all offensive linemen. Since suffering a knee injury in late November, Campbell hasn't looked like the same player and has become the weak link on the Pats' offensive line.

With Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy receiving a ton of attention and double-teams, Hall might benefit from one-on-one matchups that could make-or-break the game.