Sam Darnold’s Road to Super Bowl LX

Sam Darnold’s path to the Super Bowl has been anything but straightforward.

Drafted third overall in 2018 by the New York Jets from USC, he was the second quarterback taken, following Baker Mayfield. The draft also featured other notable quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, and Lamar Jackson, all of whom were selected in the first round.

For those who tracked Darnold’s first eight years in the league, it might have seemed like he was more of a backup than the franchise player the Jets were hoping for. After three seasons with the Jets, the team decided to trade him.

Following that, he spent time with the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings. It was with the Vikings that he finally had a standout season, leading the team to the playoffs. Eventually, he signed a three-year deal with Seattle, coming in to take over for Geno Smith.

During the season, Darnold threw for over 4,000 yards and completed 25 touchdown passes, helping the Seahawks secure a 14-3 record and the top playoff seed.

Now, he stands as the first quarterback from his draft class to make it to the Super Bowl.

“You can’t discuss this game without acknowledging our quarterback,” Seahawks head coach Mike McDonald remarked. “He proved a lot of doubters wrong tonight, and I’m truly happy for him.”

Darnold played through an oblique injury, completing 25 of his 36 attempts for 346 yards without any turnovers.

“I can’t praise Sam enough,” said Seahawks star Jackson Smith-Njigba. “He’s had an incredible first year. Sure, there’s another year ahead, but I’ll support him all the way as he navigates this.”

Looking ahead, the Seahawks are set to compete against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.