Malcolm Smith named Super Bowl MVP

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith has been named the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player for his performance against the Denver Broncos last night.

Smith returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown to give his side a 22-0 lead before half time, as well as recovering a fumble in the second half and contributing further to Seattle's dominant defense, as they trounced the Broncos 43-8.

The league's stingiest defense this season made easy work of Peyton Manning and the Broncos' record-breaking offense to help the Seahawks to their first ever Vince Lombardi trophy.

Smith becomes just the third linebacker in NFL history to be named the Super Bowl MVP after Ray Lewis in 2001 and Chuck Howley in 1971, while he is the first defensive player to pick up the award since Dexter Jackson in 2003.

"I woke up jumping, bouncing. It turned out great for us tonight," Smith told reporters upon receiving the award.

"I always imagined myself making great plays. Never thought about being the MVP."

Smith had played something of a bit-part role for the Seahawks this season, filling in for various injuries throughout the campaign before gaining a starring role of his own last night.