Derick Hall’s journey from a premature baby with just a one percent chance of survival to a Super Bowl champion is one of the most inspiring stories in American football.
The Seattle Seahawks linebacker played a key role in their 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, claiming two sacks in a dominant defensive display.
Born four months early in 2001 and weighing less than 3lb, Hall was placed on life support. Doctors gave little hope, but his mother refused to give up.
After the final whistle in Santa Clara, Hall shared an emotional moment with her on the field, calling her the real hero behind his success.
A mother’s belief behind Hall’s rise
“Everyone knows my story,” Hall said. “What it took for me to be alive and have the chance.”
He credited his mother for fighting for him from the very beginning, calling her an unsung hero throughout his life.
Now standing 6ft 3in and weighing 254lb, Hall’s rise from fragile newborn to Super Bowl star reflects years of struggle, discipline and belief.
His respect for the game, he says, comes from understanding how close he came to never playing it at all.
Seahawks standing on hallowed ground
Seattle’s success also reflected redemption for quarterback Sam Darnold, who joined the Seahawks as his fifth team in eight years.
After being labelled a journeyman earlier in his career, Darnold finally lifted the Super Bowl trophy in his first season with Seattle.
“My parents always believed in me,” he said. “That gave me the confidence to play free.”
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, winning his second Super Bowl, praised his wife’s faith during difficult phases of his career.
Defensive coordinator Aden Durde also created history by becoming the first overseas coach to win a Super Bowl, calling the victory special for his family.
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