Members of Seattle’s Blue Thunder drumline, Seahawks Dancers and mascot Blitz helped welcome both squads with festivities before the game and at halftime.
Ultimately, the hosting Seahawks-sponsored team prevailed 36-30, thanks to some big touchdown plays and effective blitzes down the stretch. The Vikings, however, were valiant in their comeback effort from deficits of 22-8, 28-14 and 36-24.
With Ray Roberts, a former Seahawks and Lions tackle (1992-2000) who now works for Special Olympics, and Sidney Rice, a receiver with the Vikings (2007-10) and Seahawks (2011-13), cheering for both teams, the squads lived out the Special Olympics athlete oath, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Minnesota’s Justin Evilsizer scored a rushing touchdown just before halftime, and teammate and Unified Partner Isaac Nelson intercepted Seattle on the opening drive of the second half.
Seattle, however, was able to score on a 36-yard pass before Minnesota’s Emily Schlegel found Andrea Racioppi for a 12-yard touchdown.
The Seahawks squad struck quickly again, breaking free on a 35-yard TD run for a 36-24 edge.
Minnesota answered with a 7-yard pass from Lauren McCullough to Dan Nohr.
Nelson, a veteran of the Marines and fan of Harrison Smith because of the safety’s loyalty and consistency, recorded his second interception of the game with 1:15 remaining. The Seattle squad, however, was effective with blitzes to halt Minnesota’s final opportunity.
The sportsmanship displayed by both sides continued through a jersey swap and massive cheers when Evilsizer and a player named Sam from Seattle were surprised with tickets to Super Bowl LX.