LAS VEGAS — When Sam Darnold was drafted in 2018, he talked about going to the Super Bowl.
he got it done.
Of course, this is a little different than what he envisioned at the time. The Jets drafted him third overall, and he talked about ending the Jets’ title drought, but he was traded after three disappointing seasons. He is currently Brock Purdy’s backup with the 49ers, who are preparing for the 2024 Super Bowl.
“Obviously, I wish things had gone in a different direction. … I wish we had won more games, of course,” Darnold said Monday of his time with the Jets.
Darnold had three losing seasons with the Jets.
He was traded to the Panthers in 2021 as the Jets decided to draft and move Zach Wilson.
After two years with the Panthers, he signed with the 49ers this offseason as a backup.
Darnold said he still looks back on his time with the Jets fondly, though he remembers more bad than good from his time with the Jets.
“Obviously, it was an experience that I would never take for granted,” Darnold said. “To get through the good times and the bad with that organization, that coach, those players, you tend to remember most of the good moments that you had. Obviously, a lot of people sometimes have bad problems. I may bring it up.”
He thought he would be the one to put a second Lombardi Trophy in the Jets’ trophy case.
“I always envisioned being able to finish high in the playoffs against New York and make it to the Super Bowl,” Darnold said. “Obviously, that’s what I dreamed about as a kid. It was my goal when I was drafted by the Jets and it’s still my goal to win a championship somewhere. At the same time, you have some idea of what it takes. I understand, even if you’re in a backup role like I am right now, what does it take to actually get here and actually accomplish it, rather than just dreaming and imagining it? I understand that. It’s a lot of effort and a lot of sacrifice.”
Darnold will become a free agent in a month. He said he still wants to be a starter, but he values his time helping the 49ers win a title.
This week, that means imitating Patrick Mahomes in practice.
“As a competitor, you always want to play football,” Darnold said. “Obviously, there are different ways to help the team. During the week, I play scout team and try to get the defense ready for everything that Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs offense do. That part is It’s fun for me.”
And what if he has to play on Sunday?
“Obviously we want Brock to stay healthy and continue to stay on the field,” Darnold said.
