For three quarters, the opening game of the NFL season was a dud. But everything the NFL touches turns to gold, so the final quarter delivered some unbelievable drama. And thankfully, Kevin Harlan was there to document it.

The 2026 season began with a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. But it looked certain that the Pats would enact some measure of revenge as Sam Darnold went out injured on Seattle’s first drive and their offense produced nothing all game long.

But just as Seattle’s offense came alive, New England quarterback Drake Maye fell apart.

The Seahawks scored 10 points in the fourth to take a 13-10 lead. But Maye had the Patriots driving with time running out to potentially win the game, or at the very worst, kick a field goal to force overtime.

Sadly for Patriots fans, they did neither.

Drake Maye threw an inexplicable interception in the endzone in the closing seconds. And thanks to the toetapping technique of Seahawks defensive back of Josh Jobe, Seattle was able to clinch victory.

Mike Tirico: “A TERRIBLE DECISION!”

Cris Collinsworth: “I can’t believe that throw… Wow. I mean, there are certain things you just can’t do or try when you have field goal range and overtime in your grasp. And that was the play… Ouch.” pic.twitter.com/oZuIRuNN2n

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 10, 2026

Incredibly, it was Maye’s third interception of the fourth quarter. And while the NBC announcing crew of Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth were in disbelief, and it drove the Patriots radio booth to question the meaning of life, nobody had quite the reaction that Kevin Harlan did calling the game for Westwood One radio.

And it shows once again why he’s one of the best to ever wear a headset.

Harlan leaps from his seat, puts his hands to his head, and excitedly proclaims that the Seattle defense was able to once again get the best of Drake Maye and the Patriots.

Kevin Harlan on the call for Josh Jobe’s interception to secure the win for the #SeattleSeahawks pic.twitter.com/9Yi4nhvzIQ

— Westwood One Sports (@westwood1sports) September 10, 2026

Kevin Harlan was also the subject of probably the most famous announcer booth cam when he nearly fell out of his chair calling Furman’s shocking upset of Virginia in the NCAA Tournament a few years ago. Although he may not have been totally enthused with how that looked, hopefully he can rest secure that seeing this kind of authentic enthusiasm and love of the game only endears him to sports fans more.