Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl Journey
In an unexpected turn of events, Sam Darnold is set to take center stage in the Super Bowl, a feat he will achieve ahead of his fellow 2018 quarterback draft classmates such as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and others. After navigating through a challenging journey with five different teams over eight seasons, Darnold has cemented his position as a leader for the Seattle Seahawks this season.
Seahawks’ Success Under Darnold
Under Darnold’s guidance, the Seahawks secured an impressive 14-3 record, clinching the division title and earning the top playoff seed. In a thrilling NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, Darnold showcased his skills by completing 25 of 36 passes for a remarkable 346 yards and three touchdowns, despite dealing with an oblique injury. His performance aided in a nail-biting 31-27 win, prompting Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald to express his satisfaction with Darnold’s growth:
“He just shut a lot of people up. Really happy for him.”
Overcoming Early Criticism
Initially criticized and labeled as a bust during his early career, Darnold’s resurgence has come as a surprise to many detractors. Now, standing on the brink of Super Bowl glory, he finds his Seahawks pitted against the New England Patriots, where they are favored by 4.5 points, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
The 2018 Quarterback Draft Class
Darnold’s draft story aligns with that of other 2018 quarterbacks—he was selected third overall by the New York Jets, following Baker Mayfield (first to the Cleveland Browns), Josh Allen (seventh to the Buffalo Bills), Josh Rosen (tenth to the Arizona Cardinals), and Lamar Jackson, who was picked at the end of the first round by the Baltimore Ravens.
While Jackson has earned two AP NFL MVP awards, he holds an 0-1 record in the AFC Championship, and Allen, the current NFL MVP, has seen two consecutive AFC title game losses to the Kansas City Chiefs. Mayfield managed to clinch the Cleveland Browns’ only playoff win of the century and has since played for various teams, evidencing his own ups and downs.
Challenges and Coaching Dynamics
However, it’s essential to recognize that Darnold’s success does not diminish the challenges faced by his peers. Football’s team dynamics are complex, and unfortunate circumstances often contribute to a quarterback’s performance. Recently, both Allen and Jackson’s head coaches were dismissed, a reflection of unmet expectations from their respective teams.
Darnold’s narrative has become one of persistence and redemption, emphasizing the critical role effective coaching plays in a player’s trajectory. His tumultuous start with the Jets under coaches Todd Bowles and Adam Gase yielded a dismal passer rating of 78.2—third lowest among quarterbacks with over 500 attempts at that time. Following a stint with the Carolina Panthers, where coaching instability persisted under Matt Rhule and Steve Wilks, Darnold’s fortunes began changing with a season spent behind Brock Purdy in San Francisco, under the scheming of coach Kyle Shanahan. There, he learned the nuances of the game and improved his understanding of offensive play.
Breakout Season and Future Prospects
Darnold’s subsequent breakout in Minnesota saw him thrive under the guidance of coach Kevin O’Connell, where he hit remarkable highs including 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns in 2024. Despite Minnesota’s decision to prioritize J.J. McCarthy as their starter, the Seahawks offered Darnold a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million deal, allowing him to replace Geno Smith.
By becoming the first quarterback in history to lead two separate teams to 14-win seasons, Darnold has undeniably etched his name alongside NFL greats, including the legendary Tom Brady.
“We believe in him. The building believes in him. The city believes in him. It’s awesome to run out onto the field with him,”
expressed All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, encapsulating the support Darnold has garnered.
Reflecting on Growth
Reflecting on his evolving journey, Darnold recalls a past moment of vulnerability when he famously admitted to “seeing ghosts” during a rough outing against the Patriots in his second year. Grateful for his growth, he remarked,
“There was a lot I didn’t know back then. I’m always looking to improve, even after winning the NFC Championship; there are always ways to get better.”
This is the current landscape of Darnold’s remarkable turnaround and the evolving narratives of the 2018 quarterback class, culminating in what could be a crowning achievement for Darnold as he heads into the Super Bowl.
