In December 2024, Rylie Mills faced an uncertain football future after suffering serious injuries at Notre Dame that left his professional prospects in doubt.

What a difference 14 months makes.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Rylie Mills (98) celebrates after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Mills, a Lake Bluff native, saw his determination rewarded in the second quarter of Super Bowl LX when he recorded a 10-yard sack, overpowering New England lineman Jared Wilson and driving him into Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Mills raised his leg and screamed in celebration — one of the iconic moments in Seattle’s 29-13 victory as its defense smothered the Patriots.

Mills said he went into the game planning to go as hard as he could at Maye, knowing his bull-rush technique was one of his strengths.

“That was something I wanted to put on display and use,” he said. “Once I was able to get my hand extended, I knew it was over.”

The defensive lineman said his first thought was disbelief, followed quickly by the realization that the play showed he was truly back from his injuries.

“That was always my celebration in college, and I think once I got the sack that was six to 12 months of pent-up frustration and anxiousness and just feelings about my injury and getting through it,” Mills said in an interview. “I just let it all out right there, so it felt great.”

The sack marked another step in the football journey for the Lake Forest High School graduate, who was the 2019 Pioneer Press All-Area Football Defensive Player of the Year. From there, he went to Notre Dame, where he played five seasons due to eligibility changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and amassed 131 tackles and 17 sacks.

While an NFL career seemed like the natural next step, that changed during a 2024 College Football Playoff game against Indiana, when Mills tore several ligaments in his right knee while recording a sack that turned out to be his final college play. He also played most of his senior season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

He underwent surgeries to correct both injuries, creating uncertainty heading into the NFL Draft, when the Seahawks selected him in the fifth round, 142nd overall.

Mills acknowledged the frustration of the timing — during the college playoffs and so close to the draft — but credited Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman for his guidance and support through the disappointment.

“I feel like everything happens for a reason. I’m a big believer in that,” Mills added. “I had to get hurt to reclimb the mountain again, and we had to end up in Seattle, and we had to win the Super Bowl to get this opportunity. I feel like I’m in the best place possible. It was obviously frustrating at times, but it changed me as a person and helped me grow as a player.”

He continued his rehab, was activated for the final four regular-season games, and then appeared in two playoff victories as the Seahawks captured the NFC championship.

Among those watching the Super Bowl was Chuck Spagnoli, Mills’ high school head coach, who said his phone started going crazy after the sack.

Spagnoli recalled Mills’ ability on the football field.

“We coached him as hard as we did anybody else, but he was always the guy who did extra work, always the guy who wanted to get better, and everything he receives at this point is earned,” he said.

Rylie Mills was so effective on the defensive line for Lake Forest that opposing offenses almost never tried to move the ball in his direction.

(Final score Lake Forest 28-Stevenson 27)

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The longtime LFHS head coach also praised his demeanor off the field.

“I don’t think Rylie has ever met or talked with anybody who doesn’t like him,” Spagnoli said. “He’s a great kid with a great personality and an unselfish guy who really cares about those around him.”

After the game, Mills celebrated on the field with his girlfriend and family and later watched Bad Bunny’s halftime show — fittingly, he is a big fan of the artist. On Feb. 11, he participated in the Seahawks’ victory rally in Seattle, soaking in a championship moment that took time to fully register after falling short of titles in both high school and college.

While his parents no longer live in Lake Bluff, he said he would be interested in visiting his alma mater and speaking to the next generation of Scouts, adding that he remains grateful for the life lessons he learned at LFHS.

“You have to know yourself and be willing to learn,” he said. “Lake Forest taught me what kind of person and leader I want to be, and that carried over to Notre Dame and kept evolving. That set me down the right track for the fundamentals and principles I have today.”

For now, Mills plans to take a vacation with his girlfriend before beginning preparations for the 2026 season in March.

“It’ll be great to have a full offseason where I’m healthy and able to do everything,” he said. “Winning the Super Bowl sets your perspective on the work it takes to get there. Now I have a clear idea of what it takes and what it’s supposed to look like. Hopefully, we can build on this and keep it going next year.”

Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/12/lake-bluff-rylie-mills-superbowl-champion/