Jermaine Kearse’s big moment gave way to a low-key celebration

RENTON – Jermaine Kearse had gone from goat to hero, making up for a pair of costly drops with a game-winning touchdown catch in overtime to cap the Seahawks’ improbable rally and punch their ticket back to the Super Bowl.

So, how’d he celebrate afterward?

“I went to church and had dinner,” he said, “so it was a relaxed night and I enjoyed it with my family and friends.”

Kearse spoke with the media on Monday, and it didn’t seem like he was basking in the afterglow of the biggest moment of his career so much as he was still trying to process everything that had occurred.

“It’s just really overwhelming,” he said. “It’s kind of an emotional roller-coaster. Just all the events that happened throughout that game and for us to be able to get that win was amazing.”

After his game-winning touchdown catch, Kearse threw the ball into the stands in what he described as a release of all the frustration that had built up to that point, having had two passes bounce off his hands for interceptions.

“I tried to throw it as far as possible,” he said. “It was something that happened in the moment.”

Does he wish he had held onto the ball as a souvenir of such a memorable moment?

“I have a Super Bowl ball so I’m happy with that,” he said, “and I’m going to try to get another one.”