A seemingly innocuous pre-season graphic released by the National Football League has become the latest focal point for conspiracy-minded fans who fervently believe the league meticulously scripts its entire season long before the first kickoff.
The September Post That Sparked Theories
The evidence in question originates from the NFL's official social media account, posted on September 4, 2025, which coincided with the opening day of the regular season. The graphic features a single prominent player from each of the league's thirty-two franchises, all gazing upwards towards Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This venue serves as the home of the San Francisco 49ers and was the predetermined host site for Super Bowl LX.
The caption read, '32 teams with February dreams. We're so back,' accompanied by visuals of superstars like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Saquon Barkley positioned in the foreground. However, upon closer inspection, fans noted a peculiar and, to them, revealing detail.
An Ominous Placement for Two Quarterbacks
Far in the background of the composite image, two players were depicted significantly closer to the stadium's silhouette than any of their peers. Those players were Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
This artistic choice took on a prophetic sheen this past Sunday when the Seahawks and the Patriots triumphed in their respective conference championship games. Their victories officially set the stage for a Super Bowl rematch, exactly as the graphic's spatial arrangement had subtly hinted months prior.
Social Media Erupts with Accusations
The online reaction from fans inclined towards conspiratorial thinking was swift and emphatic. Many interpreted the players' placement as a blatant clue left by the league's so-called 'script writers.'
One user on X declared, 'Look at the very front. We see you NFL,' while another stated flatly, 'The script writers have done it again.' A more colourful post asserted, 'Oh ye this s**t is definitely scripted,' capturing the sentiment of disbelief.
Even established media figures joined the conversation. NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson highlighted the coincidence, noting, 'Yep, this is really from September. Look all the way up front...' The official fan account 'DrakeMayeLover' succinctly summarised the theory: 'They really gave us the script in September.'
A Historic Rematch Eleven Years in the Making
This upcoming championship game marks a poignant revival of one of the NFL's most storied rivalries. The Patriots and Seahawks are set to collide in the Super Bowl for the first time in eleven seasons, recalling their legendary meeting in Super Bowl XLIX.
That historic game is remembered for one of the most dramatic conclusions in sports history. With seconds remaining, New England cornerback Malcolm Butler executed a legendary goal-line stand, intercepting Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson on the one-yard line to secure a stunning Patriots victory.
Super Bowl XLIX is widely viewed as the catalyst for the resurgence of the Patriots dynasty. After ending a ten-year championship drought with that win, New England proceeded to appear in three of the next four Super Bowls, claiming two more titles to tie the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most championships in league history.
Whether a clever marketing coincidence or purported evidence of a grand design, this pre-season graphic has undoubtedly fueled the enduring fan theory that the NFL's narrative is written long before the players ever take the field.
