CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A social media post shared by the NFL earlier this season has fueled online speculation after a coincidence involving the Super Bowl matchup.

On Sept. 5, the opening night of the 2025 regular season, the league posted an illustration depicting a featured player from each of the NFL’s 32 teams marching toward the Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the Super Bowl champion.

At the front of the illustration were Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold and New England quarterback Drake Maye. The two quarterbacks and their teams are scheduled to face each other in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The image resurfaced on social media following the announcement of the matchup, prompting speculation among some fans. While conspiracy theories circulated online, the idea that the season and playoffs were manipulated drew skepticism.

NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy addressed the speculation Monday on the social media platform X. Quoting the original post, McCarthy wrote: “Re: the ‘controversy’ over this image — no.”

The league characterized the alignment of the illustration and the Super Bowl matchup as a coincidence.

Or is that what the NFL wants you to think?