USC Trojans Shine in Super Bowl LX
Levi’s Stadium has seen its share of championship celebrations, but on Sunday night, it was the familiar sounds of Cardinal and Gold that echoed through the venue. Long after the confetti settled from Super Bowl LX, five former USC Trojans stood proudly, dressed in Seahawks blue and holding Lombardi Trophies, marking a historic moment enriched by their West Coast accents and spirited fight-on attitude.
They referred to themselves as the “USC-Hawks,” and after Seattle’s 29-13 triumph over the New England Patriots, it seemed that nickname was destined to stick.
At the forefront was Sam Darnold, who, despite nursing an injury, finally claimed the title of champion. This victory marked him as the first USC quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl—a significant achievement for a program that had seen greats like Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, and Mark Sanchez.
Darnold’s journey mirrored his time at USC, culminating in a win at Levi’s Stadium. He joined the starting lineup in the third game of the 2016 season and went on to achieve a 9-1 record, capturing the Pac-12 title and playing in the Rose Bowl—and he never lost the job again, wrapping up his time there with a 19-4 record.
After the game, former Trojans quarterbacks Matt Leinart and Matt Barkley took to social media to express their congratulations to their USC peers.
The excitement extended beyond Darnold. Uchenna Nwosu made a huge impact with a fourth-quarter interception that he returned for a 45-yard touchdown, sealing the victory. This was his first appearance on the biggest stage in football after eight seasons.
Former Trojan safety and NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott shared his pride for Nwosu on social media after the impressive play.
It’s quite poetic that both Nwosu and Darnold, who were named the USC Trojans’ Football Team Players of the Year in 2017, scored touchdowns on the same day—though this time, they were just waiting for their championship rings.
“We are very close. This is SC. We have a motto: ‘Fight On.’ Regardless of what happens, we’ll keep fighting,” Nwosu remarked inside the celebratory locker room, expressing gratitude to his USC brothers and sisters for their shared success.
Leonard Williams also made a notable contribution, showcasing his growth since playing at USC. His Super Bowl debut felt like a culmination of his journey, one filled with challenges. “The journey is what makes this special,” he said, reflecting on their pathways from USC to the New York Jets and then clinching the title with the Seahawks. “Many of the Trojans have been around since my rookie days.”
Next to him stood Brandon Pili, whose journey was notable in its own right. From Alaska to Southern California, he faced injuries and was undrafted, ending up on the practice squad for the championship team. Football can be a tough game to navigate, and it finally rewarded his patience on that unforgettable night.
Lastly, Velus Jones quietly added his name to the list of champions. His path wasn’t straightforward or glamorous, but he too emerged victorious.
The Trojan influence in Seattle ran deep. Former USC strength coach Ivan Lewis and his team played a vital role in building the physicality of the Seahawks, embedding that fight-on spirit into their training.
While Alabama and LSU may have sent more players overall to Super Bowl LX, it was USC that produced the quarterback who completed the climb to victory.
