NFL

Sam Darnold opens up about career path going into Super Bowl LX game between Seahawks vs Patriots

The Super Bowl LX against New England Patriots could be seen as Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold's path to redention. However, the player thinks otherwise.

Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks
© Steph Chambers/Getty ImagesSam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks will play the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl LX for all the marbles. Also, it can be seen as a redemption game for quarterback Sam Darnold, who went from backup to franchise quarterback. Still, he doesn’t see it that way, or at least that’s what he said to the media.

The third overall pick in 2018, Darnold’s hype when he got drafted was big. After failing to solidify in the New York Jets, he became a backup quarterback for the Panthers and Niners. After a redemption season with the Vikings, Darnold signed for the Seahawks and his first season was so stellar, the team is at the verge of a Super Bowl title.

For Darnold, though, it’s not his story, it’s his job. “It’s always just been about putting in hard work, every single day. Hard work and all the dedication and hours I put in in the offseason, during the season, it leads to this moment. That’s the mindset I have, and really the mindset I’ve had my entire career,” Darnold said to the media.

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Having top-tier weapons helped Darnold quite a lot

Make no mistake about it, Darnold failed to play great in his first few years. However, it’s no coincidence that his two best years came when he was finally given two certified wide receivers to work with. He didn’t have that in New York, nor in Carolina. He barely played in one year in San Francisco and then it all changed.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks

Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks

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At Minnesota, Darnold found an incredible ally in Justin Jefferson. Now in Seattle, Darnold found Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Now, to be fair to Darnold, everyone saw how Justin Jefferson struggled with JJ McCarthy this season. Also, JSN had the best year of his career with Darnold under center. It’s symbiotic.

Seahawks vs Patriots poll: Choose your favorite player by position ahead of 2026 Super Bowl LX

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Seattle is favored over the Patriots in the Super Bowl

Drake Maye is not the Super Bowl MVP favorite, and the Patriots aren’t favored either. In fact, Seattle comes as a five-point favorite to win Super Bowl LX. Darnold might not be the biggest reason for it, but he is key in the Seahawks’ success.

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However, Darnold had some turnover issues this season, ending as the third-most intercepted quarterback in the NFL regular season. If he manages to avoid turnovers in this game, he could very well earn the Super Bowl MVP and give Seattle another ring.

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