Quick Read
- Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to the NFC Championship, securing a spot in Super Bowl LX.
- Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in the NFC Championship game.
- He is the first starting quarterback from the 2018 NFL Draft class to reach a Super Bowl.
- Darnold’s career has spanned five teams over nearly eight years, overcoming previous ‘bust’ labels.
- The NFL world widely praised Darnold’s ‘comeback story’ after the victory.
SEATTLE (Azat TV) – Quarterback Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, has completed a remarkable career turnaround by leading the Seattle Seahawks to the NFC Championship and securing their spot in Super Bowl LX. His performance on January 25, 2026, against the Los Angeles Rams, where he threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, not only clinched the conference title but also established him as the first starting quarterback from the highly touted 2018 draft class to reach the NFL’s championship game, defying years of criticism and setbacks.
A Resurgent Performance Secures NFC Title
Darnold’s pivotal role in the 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams was highlighted by a masterful display of passing, connecting on 25 of 36 attempts. Key plays included a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 20 seconds left in the first half, shifting momentum, and another to Jake Bobo following a Rams special teams error. He sealed the win with a 13-yard touchdown to Cooper Kupp, demonstrating the clutch performance that Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald lauded post-game. Macdonald stated that Darnold ‘shut a lot of people up tonight,’ emphasizing his quarterback’s resilience and improved play throughout the season.
The Seahawks’ victory was a collective effort, with strong defensive plays, including two crucial pass break-ups by Devon Witherspoon, and special teams forcing two muffed punts. However, the narrative overwhelmingly centered on Darnold’s individual triumph, showcasing his ability to deliver when it mattered most, effectively rewriting the perception of his career.
The Long Road to Super Bowl LX
Darnold’s path to Super Bowl LX has been anything but conventional. Drafted by the New York Jets, he endured a challenging tenure, compiling a 13-25 record before being traded. His subsequent stints with the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings were marked by inconsistent play and ultimately, those franchises moving on from him. He spent time as a backup, including winning a conference title with the 49ers two years prior, but never as the primary starter leading the charge.
His journey involved nearly 3,000 pass attempts across five different teams over almost eight years, a testament to his perseverance. This arduous progression has now culminated in a Super Bowl berth as the unequivocal leader of an NFL franchise, a stark contrast to his earlier career struggles where he was often labeled a ‘bust’ by analysts and fans alike.
Outshining a Storied Draft Class
The 2018 NFL Draft class for quarterbacks was one of the most anticipated in recent memory, featuring several players who have achieved significant individual success. Baker Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick, has had a notable career but is long gone from Cleveland, the team that drafted him. Josh Allen, drafted seventh by the Buffalo Bills, boasts an MVP award but has yet to reach a Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson, taken 32nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens, has earned two MVP awards but also awaits his first Super Bowl appearance.
Even more starkly, Josh Rosen, drafted 10th by the Arizona Cardinals, is no longer in the NFL. Darnold’s achievement of being the first starting quarterback from this celebrated class to play for the Lombardi Trophy highlights a unique trajectory, demonstrating that career paths in professional sports are rarely linear and often defy initial expectations.
NFL World Reacts to the ‘Comeback Kid’
The NFL community, including current and former players, coaches, and analysts, quickly took to social media and interviews to praise Darnold’s ‘comeback story.’ Former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, a Super Bowl winner with Seattle, was among the first to offer congratulations. Cody Kessler, another former NFL quarterback, celebrated Darnold’s win, as did former NFL safety and current ESPN commentator Louis Riddick, who commended Darnold’s perseverance through significant career hardships.
Journalists who had covered Darnold’s previous teams, such as Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer for The Athletic, and Rich Cimini, ESPN Jets beat writer, highlighted the difficulties he had overcome. Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba praised his quarterback’s qualities, emphasizing the leadership and skill that propelled Seattle to the precipice of another NFL title. Analyst Chase Daniel even suggested that Darnold’s performance in the NFC Championship Game positions the Seahawks as Super Bowl favorites.
Sam Darnold’s emergence as a Super Bowl-bound starter underscores the unpredictable nature of quarterback development in the NFL, demonstrating that sustained effort and a change of scenery can ultimately lead to redemption and success even for highly drafted players who initially struggled to meet expectations.