Super Bowl LX served as an uncomfortable reminder for the Minnesota Vikings. As the Seattle Seahawks captured a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots, it was hard to ignore how much of Seattle’s success was tied to familiar names from Minnesota’s recent past.

Quarterback Sam Darnold thrived throughout the season under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, finishing the year by helping deliver the Seahawks’ second Lombardi Trophy. Shortly after the championship run, Kubiak departed to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

For the Detroit Lions, the outcome likely reinforced an existing belief: when sizing up true division threats, Green Bay and Chicago demand more attention than Minnesota.

Darnold, after all, was Minnesota’s starter just one season ago. The Vikings posted an impressive 14-3 record before being eliminated decisively in the NFC Wild Card round by the Rams. Rather than commit long-term to Darnold, Minnesota allowed him to walk in free agency, choosing instead to elevate 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Now, reports suggest the team may seek a veteran quarterback to compete with McCarthy — an ironic twist given Darnold’s championship campaign.

Kubiak’s history in Minnesota adds another layer. He served two separate stints with the organization, most recently as offensive coordinator in 2021. When Denver came calling for his services again, the Vikings did little to prevent his exit.

When a franchise lets proven contributors slip away, it becomes harder for rivals to view them as the division’s most pressing obstacle.

Detroit Had Regrets Too — Just Not on the Same Scale

That’s not to say Detroit’s front office escaped scrutiny during the Super Bowl. A few former Lions appeared on the Patriots’ sideline.

Cornerback Carlton Davis, who spent a season in Detroit before injuries cut his year short, performed steadily for New England and avoided costly mistakes. Linebacker Jahlani Tavai — a 2019 Lions second-round pick — has carved out a dependable role with the Patriots since joining them in 2021, though his impact in the Super Bowl was limited by injury.

Beyond those examples, former Detroit practice squad players were scattered across both rosters during the 2025 season.

Still, none of Detroit’s roster decisions carried the magnitude of Minnesota’s. Darnold and Kubiak were central figures on championship night, and their departure from the Vikings organization loomed large over the narrative.

Division Frustrations Continue

The NFC North’s prolonged Super Bowl drought — now stretching 15 years — remains a shared burden. Both Detroit and Minnesota have played a part in that stretch.

Yet in this particular championship, one team’s previous decisions stood out far more than the other’s.

For the Lions, the message is clear: until Minnesota proves capable of retaining and maximizing its top talent, the Vikings may struggle to command the same level of respect as Detroit’s other divisional foes.