Sam Darnold’s journey toward Super Bowl 60 seems less like a story of destiny and more about overcoming obstacles.
On February 8, in Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, Darnold, a standout from the 2018 draft class, will take the first snap under center, not Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or Baker Mayfield.
Originally drafted third overall by the Jets, Darnold, who hails from Southern California, is set to start for the Seahawks against the Patriots.
The 2018 NFL Draft aimed to transform the league, and in many ways, it did reshape the landscape.
Five quarterbacks were selected in the first round, all perceived as future stalwarts for their franchises. Allen and Jackson went on to become MVPs, while Mayfield led both the Browns and the Buccaneers to the playoffs. Josh Rosen faced tough challenges early in his career.
Yet, one thing missing from this group is a Super Bowl starter. For eight seasons, the emptiness of that fact loomed large. Darnold’s story offers a difficult piece of that puzzle.
The Southern California native had a rough start; three challenging years in New York dimmed his prospects. Following a stint as a backup in Carolina and San Francisco, he found new life when JJ McCarthy’s preseason injury allowed him a chance to shine with the Vikings.
With Darnold at the helm, the Vikings finished their 2024 season at 14-3, making way for a three-year deal with Seattle to fill the gap left by Geno Smith.
In 2025, Darnold had shifted his focus from seeking approval to exhibiting maturity and patience.
His season stats boasted 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, a Pro Bowl selection, and a top seed in the NFC playoffs with a 14-3 record. He famously played through an oblique injury during the NFC Championship Game, leading his team to victory over the Rams with three touchdowns and no turnovers.
“Our quarterback is the heart of this team,” said Seahawks coach Mike McDonald after the game. “He really showed everyone what he’s made of.”
When informed he’d be the first in his draft class to reach the Super Bowl, Darnold simply chuckled.
“We had a good run in San Francisco in 2023 as well,” he remarked. “Of course, they’re talented players, but it’s really about the collective effort put forth this season.”
That kind of humility is hard-earned.
No one from the 2018 class has faced as much adversity in their career as Darnold. He endured being labeled as a problem until he could finally demonstrate that the issue wasn’t really him.
History often draws parallels.
Super Bowl 60: A Historic Moment
The 1983 NFL Draft set a high bar with legends like John Elway, Dan Marino, and Jim Kelly emerging from it, tallying 10 Super Bowl appearances between them. If Darnold manages to cap off his journey with a championship, and the 2018 draft class continues to evolve, then those comparisons might prove to be more than just fanciful notions. They would feel deserved.
Moreover, Darnold’s participation adds another layer: he will be the first USC quarterback to start in a Super Bowl. Although the Trojans have seen 26 of their quarterbacks drafted—more than any other program—none had reached the starting position before Super Bowl 59.
Darnold’s narrative is about more than rewriting his past; it’s about creating a lasting legacy.
On February 8, he won’t just be playing for Seattle. He’ll be representing a draft class filled with quarterbacks who have been talked about as future Hall of Famers, showcasing a career that thrived despite challenges.
