Sam Darnold’s journey from the New York Jets to the Seattle Seahawks has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. On April 5, 2021, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for draft compensation. This move came after a difficult tenure with the Jets, where he was seen as a failed No. 3 overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft. During his time with the Jets, the team had only one winning season in the previous seven years before his arrival, and Darnold’s record stood at 13-25.

In 2019, Darnold made headlines for an unusual comment during a 33-0 loss to the New England Patriots. He mentioned that he was “seeing ghosts” during the game, which became a point of ridicule. This moment has followed him throughout his career, often resurfacing in discussions about his performance.

Last season, Darnold played for the Minnesota Vikings, where he led them to a 14-3 regular season. However, his performance in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Rams was less than stellar. He threw two turnovers and was sacked nine times in a 27-9 loss on January 13, 2025. The blame for this defeat fell heavily on him.

Just over a year later, Darnold found himself as the starting quarterback for the Seahawks. In the NFC Championship game, he completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-27 victory over the Rams. This win secured his place in Super Bowl LX.

Darnold has now led the Seahawks to back-to-back 14-3 regular seasons and has achieved playoff success, especially against the team many thought he couldn’t beat. After the game, he was asked about the 2019 quote, and he responded with humor. “I almost forgot about it, so thanks,” he joked. “There was a lot that I didn’t know back then, so I’m just going to continue to learn and grow in this great game.”

The current Seahawks quarterback is not the same person who once led the Jets. He was a top-3 draft pick placed in a challenging situation, and situations can significantly impact an NFL player’s performance.

This season, Darnold faced another tough challenge when he threw four interceptions against the Rams in a Week 11 loss. He finished the regular season leading the league in turnovers. Many wondered if the old Darnold was returning.

In Week 16, Darnold led the Seahawks to a crucial overtime win against the 49ers, throwing a game-winning touchdown and a two-point conversion. Despite throwing two interceptions, he showed resilience and determination.

After the Seahawks’ dominant 41-6 win over the 49ers in the Divisional Round, the question remained: could Darnold lead the team to a Super Bowl berth? The answer came in the form of a strong performance against the Rams in the playoffs.

Darnold, dealing with an oblique injury, was nearly perfect in what was arguably the biggest game of his life. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald praised his performance, saying, “The drive at the end on offense was just tremendous.” He also highlighted the coaching staff’s role in the game’s success.

Throughout the season, Darnold has received consistent support from his teammates and coaches. While it’s hard to discern whether this support is genuine or just public relations, the team’s actions on the field have shown unwavering belief in him.

With the Super Bowl set for February 8, the Seahawks are in a strong position. Darnold has proven himself as a true leader, guiding one of the best teams in the world. These achievements are not up for debate.

“I feel that support,” Darnold said about his team’s response to criticism during the season. “Not with only their words, but with how everyone treats each other in the building. There’s a lot of respect that goes around the building. Everyone respects the work that we all put into this great game.”

As the Seahawks prepare for their Super Bowl matchup against the New England Patriots, Darnold’s journey continues to be one of perseverance and growth. His story is a testament to the importance of leadership, resilience, and the ability to overcome past challenges.