Derrick Hall Celebrates Super Bowl Victory with Heartfelt Gratitude
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Derrick Hall hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, still amazed that it weighed more than double his birth weight.
At just 24 years old, the Seahawks linebacker, born prematurely at 23 weeks and tipping the scales at 2 pounds, 9 ounces, defied odds previously set at just a 1 percent chance of survival. He reached a significant milestone when he delivered a standout performance, recording two sacks in the Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the Patriots in the 2026 Super Bowl.
“All the glory goes to God for everything it took to bring me here, for my life and chances,” Hall shared, visibly emotional as he embraced his mother, Stacey Gooden-Crandle.
“I salute my mom. She’s the unsung hero of this whole process. She’s always fought for me,” he continued, shining a light on her unwavering support.
Hall epitomized the Seahawks’ dominant defense, supported by teammates Devon Witherspoon, Byron Murphy, Ernest Jones IV, and Uchenna Nwosu.
“Every kid dreams of this moment, but I started playing just to help my lungs,” Hall reflected. Having joined football at the tender age of 4, he spoke fondly of how it allowed him to be a normal kid. “I watched others playing outside, but couldn’t join. That led to my love for the game and this moment.”
The Seahawks were already making their mark with four sacks against quarterback Drake Maye, establishing a 12-0 lead. Tension lingered, though, as the Patriots could threaten to change the dynamics with a single impressive play.
But then Hall, weighing in at 250 pounds, tackled Maye, forcing a fumble that shifted the game’s momentum. The Seahawks quickly capitalized on this first turnover, converting it into their opening touchdown.
“I was able to make the tackle and get the strip sack,” Hall crediting Leonard Williams for paving the path for him at that critical moment.
That play ensured the 7-pound trophy officially belonged to Seattle.
“It’s incredible,” Hall remarked, reflecting on the weight comparison. “What a blessing.”
As Hall’s journey became celebrated, the neonatal intensive care unit that saved his life back on March 19, 2001, expressed their support, displaying flyers that read, “Good luck to Derrick Hall and the Seattle Seahawks. We’re rooting for you from the NICU at Memorial Hospital.”
His mother recounted how Hall was taken off life support for the first time at just three weeks old. Doctors back then decided it was time for him to “sink or swim.” He not only survived, but he also swam his way to the pinnacle of his sport.
