A wave of discontent is sweeping through the NFL fanbase as many supporters are pledging to boycott Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The anticipated matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, headlined by quarterbacks Drake Maye and Sam Darnold, is facing significant backlash.
Despite the excitement generated during Championship Sunday, where the Patriots secured their AFC title with a narrow 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos and the Seahawks triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams in a thrilling 31-27 NFC showdown, a notable segment of fans is expressing their dissatisfaction loudly on social media. Many fans describe the matchup as “brutal,” indicating they find it unappealing.
The criticisms stem from two main points. First, critics argue that the Patriots, under Maye’s leadership, enjoyed an overly favorable schedule this season, which detracted from their triumphs. Secondly, skepticism about the Seahawks and Darnold’s capability to deliver an exciting game is prevalent among fans, contributing to calls for a boycott.
With the Super Bowl traditionally being one of the most-watched events in the United States, the NFL is now facing the challenge of addressing fans’ concerns. The viewership for the last three Super Bowls has shown a steady increase, with Super Bowl LVII drawing over 114 million viewers and Super Bowl LIX reaching nearly 128 million. However, it remains uncertain whether the current fan sentiments are indicative of a widespread movement or simply the outcry of a vocal minority.
The league is now tasked with engaging its audience and fostering enthusiasm over what many see as an uninviting matchup. As the championship approaches, it will be interesting to see if the NFL can enact a turnaround and quell the growing discontent among fans.