**Shocking Laser Incident Mars Super Bowl LX: Fan Ejected After Targeting Patriots QB Drake Maye**In what has quickly become one of the most controversial moments in recent Super Bowl history, a passionate Seattle Seahawks supporter was forcibly removed from Levi’s Stadium during the third quarter of Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The incident involved the use of a green laser pointer directed straight at the eyes of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, disrupting his efforts to orchestrate a critical comeback drive against the Seahawks’ formidable defense.
The game, a highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl XLIX pitting the Seahawks against the Patriots, had already been intense. Seattle’s defense, led by coordinator Mike Macdonald, had been dominating, pressuring Maye relentlessly and forcing multiple turnovers. The young quarterback, in only his second season but already carrying the weight of New England’s resurgence, was attempting to rally his team trailing in the third quarter. As Maye dropped back to pass during a crucial series, witnesses reported a bright green laser beam sweeping across his helmet visor at least four distinct times.
Security footage and fan-recorded videos captured the moment vividly. The laser, a high-powered green pointer commonly available online, cut through the stadium lights and landed repeatedly on Maye’s face shield. The 23-year-old signal-caller instinctively raised his hand to shield his eyes, momentarily losing focus on the play. In the immediate aftermath, he appeared disoriented, and on the very next dropback, he nearly threw another interception under duress from the Seahawks’ secondary.
Commentators on the broadcast highlighted the unusual movement, with one analyst noting, “Something’s off with Maye—he’s shielding his eyes like there’s a glare issue, but the stadium lights aren’t that bad.”
Stadium security acted swiftly. Ushers and NFL security personnel located the offender in the lower bowl seats behind the Patriots’ sideline within minutes. The fan, described as a middle-aged man wearing full Seahawks gear including a Tyler Lockett jersey, was escorted out amid boos and cheers from the divided crowd. He was detained for questioning by Santa Clara police and NFL league officials.
Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the individual was not only a die-hard Seahawks fan but also a distant relative of one of Seattle’s current players—a connection that added an extra layer of intrigue and outrage to the event.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, known for his no-nonsense demeanor, was visibly furious on the sideline. He immediately signaled for a timeout and confronted referees, demanding action. Post-game, Vrabel did not hold back in his press conference. “This wasn’t just unsportsmanlike—it was blatant sabotage,” he said, his voice rising with emotion. “Shining a laser into a player’s eyes can cause temporary blindness, disorientation, even long-term damage. This could have ended a career or worse.
We’re talking about someone’s safety here, not a game tactic.” Vrabel went further, publicly calling on the NFL to impose a lifetime ban not just on the individual but on his entire family from attending any future playoff games or Super Bowls. “If they’re willing to go this far for an edge, they don’t belong in our stadiums,” he added.
The league responded promptly, issuing a statement during the game confirming the ejection and the launch of a full investigation. NFL security confiscated the laser device, described as a Class 3B pointer capable of causing eye injury at distances up to several hundred feet. Such devices have been banned at NFL venues for years due to similar past incidents, including a notorious 2019 AFC Championship case involving a Chiefs fan targeting Tom Brady.
What elevated this incident from a mere ejection to a potential scandal was the fan’s confession during initial questioning. According to sources briefed on the matter, the man admitted he had been paid to perform the act. He reportedly received cash payment and instructions via anonymous messaging apps to target Maye specifically during a key drive. The amount was not disclosed, but the revelation pointed to something far more organized than a lone drunk fan’s outburst.
Speculation exploded across social media and sports talk shows almost immediately. Who would orchestrate such a dangerous stunt? Fingers pointed in multiple directions: rival bettors hoping to influence prop bets or game outcomes, disgruntled fans from other teams, or even—most explosively—someone with ties to organized gambling syndicates. The NFL has long battled integrity issues related to sports betting, especially since its widespread legalization. A paid interference attempt during the league’s showcase event would represent a major breach.
League officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and involves cooperation with local law enforcement and federal authorities if interstate elements emerge. “The NFL takes player safety and game integrity extremely seriously,” a spokesperson said. “Any attempt to compromise either will face the full consequences.”
Maye, remarkably composed after the game despite the Patriots’ eventual loss, downplayed the personal impact. “It was bright and annoying for a second, but I shook it off,” he told reporters. “Football’s tough—stuff like that happens. We just have to keep playing.” Behind the scenes, however, team doctors examined him for any eye strain or vision issues, though no serious injury was reported.
The Seahawks organization distanced itself quickly. “We condemn any form of dangerous or unsportsmanlike behavior,” a team statement read. “This does not represent our fans or our values.” Privately, sources say the relative connection has caused significant embarrassment within the locker room.
As the dust settles on Super Bowl LX—a contest remembered as much for Seattle’s defensive dominance as for this unprecedented disruption—the incident has reignited debates about fan conduct, stadium security, and the growing influence of external forces on professional sports. Lifetime bans, enhanced screening for laser devices, and stricter penalties for interference are already being discussed at league headquarters.
For now, the football world waits for answers. Who paid for the laser attack on Drake Maye? And how deep does the plot go? The revelations could shake the NFL to its core, proving once again that even on the biggest stage, the game can be threatened from the stands.
