Rashid Shaheed Labels Super Bowl Rematch Opener vs Patriots as Key Test for Seahawks’ Season

Few players in the NFL can claim to have experienced a rise quite like Rashid Shaheed.

After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022, the dynamic playmaker has developed into one of football's most dangerous all-purpose weapons. Now, following a Super Bowl-winning campaign with the Seattle Seahawks, Shaheed is determined to help the franchise remain at the top of the NFL mountain.

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.us, the 27-year-old reflected on joining Seattle midway through the season and immediately becoming part of a team that ultimately lifted the Lombardi Trophy.

"Yeah, it means a lot to come in midway through the season, and for the coaches to believe in me and to go in there to make plays for a team that is already bound for a Super Bowl run, it felt great," he said.

"It felt great for me to have an impact, and it felt good to have the respect and trust of my teammates to go out and to make all those plays. All those plays wouldn’t be possible without them. It was all team."

Shaheed played an important role during Seattle's championship run, delivering several key moments throughout the season and playoffs.

The former Weber State standout showcased his game-breaking ability in all three phases, including a punt return touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. 

He later produced a crucial 51-yard reception in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams before contributing two catches for 27 yards in Seattle's Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots.

Across the 2025 campaign, Shaheed recorded 59 receptions for 687 yards and two touchdowns while continuing to establish himself as one of the league's premier return specialists.

The Seahawks are expected to maintain offensive continuity despite Klint Kubiak’s departure, with Brian Fleury stepping in and the Shanahan-style system around Sam Darnold set to remain largely unchanged after their Super Bowl-winning season.

Ready For A Full Season In Seattle

The Seahawks moved quickly to secure Shaheed's future, rewarding him with a three-year contract extension worth $51 million.

With a full offseason now behind him and an entire season ahead alongside quarterback Sam Darnold, the wide receiver is excited about what Seattle can achieve in 2026.

"Yeah, I’m super excited to get a full season with these guys, and I’m super excited to have a new offensive mind with the building," said Shaheed.

"We’re going to continue to go out there and compete, excited about that and to get a full season with Sam Darnold and to continue to be myself and to continue to make plays for the team."

While Shaheed's offensive contributions were significant, his impact on special teams remained equally important.

He earned Pro Bowl recognition as a return specialist and finished the 2025 season ranked fifth in the NFL in kick return average at 29.8 yards per return. 

He also ranked fourth in punt return average with 14.7 yards per return, highlighting the versatility that makes him such a valuable weapon for Seattle.

Championship Mentality Remains Unchanged

Despite reaching the pinnacle of the sport, Shaheed insists the Seahawks are not approaching the new season any differently.

For him, the mindset that delivered a Super Bowl title remains the blueprint moving forward.

"Yeah, it’s the same mindset that we had last year and that’s to go out there to compete to win a championship and we know we can do it, the coaches believe in us, we believe in ourselves and we know what it takes we won last year so we know it’s going to be a long season and we are ready and super excited for the challenge."

Seattle's quest to defend its title will bring inevitable challenges over the course of a gruelling 17-game regular season, but Shaheed believes the team's character and togetherness will be crucial.

"You've got to have the right mindset, and you've got to go in just ready."

"It’s a long season we know that, there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs and it depends on how we react, how we handle it and I know we have the right guys in the locker room to come out every Sunday or Monday or whatever day it is and we’re going to go out and compete play our best and together and that’s the most important thing."

Big Games Already Circled

The Seahawks will begin their title defence with a Super Bowl rematch against the New England Patriots, a game that Shaheed believes will provide an early indication of where the team stands heading into the season.

Another fixture he is eagerly anticipating is Seattle's Christmas Day showdown against NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field, the first Christmas Day game in franchise history.

Although there are plenty of marquee matchups on the schedule, those two contests stand out most to the Seahawks star.

"Yeah, I’m very excited. I believe our team is bound for another Super Bowl. The first game is going to be interesting. We play the Patriots again, a Super Bowl rematch, so I’m super excited about that, and then we play on Christmas, so that’s going to be another good one. Plenty of games that I’m excited for, but those are the main two."

From undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion, Shaheed's NFL journey has already exceeded expectations. Yet with a lucrative new contract, a full season in Seattle and another championship pursuit on the horizon, the explosive playmaker believes there is still plenty more to accomplish.