As the official 2025-2026 NFL season comes to an end, it has left fans of historic teams with prideful moments that will forever be remembered. From fourth-quarter battles to blowouts, this season was packed with action, dynamic performances, and a clear representation of what a strong coaching staff and environment can achieve. However, the most captivating story of the season was the underdogs’ emergence in the postseason.
Football is arguably one of the most challenging sports to become successful in; it requires unity from the administration down to the players, and talent does not mean anything in the NFL. Every professional football player is extraordinary, beating the odds of a steep 0.023% chance of becoming a pro player, according to the Ohio State University. These rosters are packed with star talent across the board. Nevertheless, some teams ended their season with only three wins. Why? Is it playcalling, inexperienced players, laziness from poor general managers, a low salary cap, injuries, or terrible coaching? All factors are debatable, but several key aspects allowed a team like the 24’-25’ Patriots’ with a 4-13 record season to be completely transformed to 14-3 in 2026. The same qualities that the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, and Denver Broncos possess to find a path to postseason football.
All of these teams have distinct similarities that led to their success, including culture, high standards, generational coaches, strong offenses, and standout rookies that continue to make an impact on and off the field. These players have the responsibility to uplift communities that follow their team wholeheartedly and have a great sense of faith in their programs. It is evident that instant gratification is not a variable in the NFL, and achieving complete dominance is hard to come by. One year can be a highlight reel and the next a dumpster fire.
Sam Darnold is one to know; he exemplifies this reality. A quarterback who was regarded as a waste, being traded from team to team until a breakout season in 2024. He is taking the Seahawks to the Super Bowl and is the first of his star-studded 2018 draft class that includes two MVPs– Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson–and arguably one of the best college quarterbacks of all time, Baker Mayfield, to do so. A similar scenario occurred with the Chicago Bears after they won their first playoff game in 15 years, with their biggest target being rookie tight end Colston Loveland. Football is more than just wins and losses; it is about grit and determination when the cameras are off. With the struggle comes wisdom, and any underdog team understands that.
As the Super Bowl approaches, either the Patriots or Seahawks will win a trophy that will return glory to their city, a forever stamp in history as Super Bowl champions. In the famous words of Snoop Dogg, “You see the underdog story is the realest story there is. Cuz when you come from nothing, you appreciate everything.” On February eighth, an underdog will be crowned a champion.
