Super Bowl 60: A Showdown at Levi’s Stadium
Super Bowl 60 is upon us, taking place at the iconic Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, just 40 miles south of San Francisco. This highly anticipated championship game features the New England Patriots squaring off against the Seattle Seahawks, promising an exciting showdown.
A Return to NorCal for the Super Bowl
This marks the second Super Bowl hosted at Levi’s Stadium, with the previous event being the thrilling Super Bowl 50, held in 2016. During that matchup, the Denver Broncos triumphed over the Carolina Panthers with a score of 24-10. California has been home to the Super Bowl 13 times, mainly in the southern regions, with this being only the third occurrence in Northern California. The first was held at Stanford Stadium in 1985, where the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Miami Dolphins to secure their second championship.
Players with Northern California Ties
The roster for Super Bowl 60 is packed with talent, including several players with strong connections to Northern California.
New England Patriots
Austin Hooper, Tight End, Active
Austin Hooper hails from San Mateo, approximately 25 miles from Levi’s Stadium. He attended De La Salle High School in Concord and later played for Stanford, where he impressed with 74 receptions, 937 yards, and eight touchdowns. The Patriots signed him in 2024 after a season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Marte Mapu, Linebacker, Active
Southern California’s Marte Mapu has ties to Northern California through his college career at Sacramento State, where he was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. The Patriots picked him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Craig Woodson, Safety, Active
Craig Woodson may be from Nashville but made his mark at the University of California, Berkeley. Overall, he recorded 165 tackles and five interceptions during his time as a Golden Bear, solidifying his connection to Northern California.
Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Defensive Tackle, Practice
Originally from Stockton, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. attended Stagg High School before making his way through junior colleges and eventually signing with the Patriots.
Lan Larison, Running Back, Reserve/Injured
Lan Larison went to UC Davis, a short distance from Sacramento, where he was awarded the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. Though he’s currently on injured reserve, his connection to Northern California is undeniable.
Seattle Seahawks
Jason Meyers, Place Kicker, Active
Kicker Jason Meyers is a Southern California native but launched his professional career in Northern California with the San Jose Sabercats. He has since become a pivotal player for the Seahawks.
Leonard Williams, Defensive Tackle, Active
Leonard Williams, born in Bakersfield, has lived in several cities, including Sacramento. Drafted by the New York Jets in 2015, he eventually found his way to the Seahawks after stints with the Giants.
Tory Horton, Wide Receiver, Reserve/Injured
Although located in Fresno—a point of contention about its classification—Tory Horton attended Washington Union High School before moving on to play at Nevada and Colorado State. He was drafted by the Seahawks in 2025.
Follow the Action
For real-time updates and detailed analysis throughout the game, visit USA Today’s Super Bowl 60 Live Updates.
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The stage is set for Super Bowl 60—a clash of titans with deep-rooted ties to Northern California. Will the Patriots claim their seventh title, or will the Seahawks rise victorious? Only time will tell.
