SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sam Darnold’s career trajectory differs significantly from Drake Maye’s. Both quarterbacks were selected third overall in their NFL Drafts. While Maye transitioned from a strong debut year to becoming a star in his second, Darnold faced the prospect of being termed a disappointment before his second season concluded.
Despite Maye not having direct experience with the challenges Darnold overcame to appear in Super Bowl LX, he holds reverence for the path the Seattle Seahawks’ signal-caller navigated to reach this point.
“What an incredible odyssey,” Maye commented during Super Bowl Opening Night. “Clearly, he found himself in a situation where [the Jets] opted to part ways, and subsequently, he contended with years of limited playing time, serving as a backup, before finally seizing his opportunity and excelling. It’s been truly impressive to witness.”
“A truly inspiring narrative. What gives the league its unique appeal are tales like Sam’s, where someone dedicates themselves, toils diligently, and transforms into a premier quarterback in the sport.”
Even rival quarterbacks acknowledge Darnold’s presence as one of the most compelling narratives leading into Super Bowl LX.
While it’s not rare for athletes initially deemed failures to revitalize their careers through development, a quarterback transitioning from an early-career disappointment to a Super Bowl starter is exceptionally uncommon.
Approximately 23 months prior, Darnold’s recruitment by the Minnesota Vikings didn’t even guarantee him a starting position. He was envisioned as a transitional signal-caller for their incoming first-round rookie, J.J. McCarthy. Following McCarthy’s injury, Darnold stepped in, delivered a strong season, and subsequently joined the Seahawks, guiding Seattle to a 14-3 regular-season record and an NFC championship. Despite Darnold’s impressive performance and the Vikings’ 14-3 finish last season, no one anticipated him leading Seattle to the Super Bowl in the inaugural year of his three-year, $100.5 million contract.
Presently, he is slated to begin Super Bowl LX at merely 28 years of age. He possesses ample opportunity to further enhance his distinct career profile. His performance this Sunday will significantly influence his standing, which had been unfavorable only a few years back.
“I believe it’s essential to accept setbacks and derive lessons from your errors,” Darnold stated. “Reflecting on the missteps from my initial professional years has propelled me to this juncture.”
“Each instance of failure, or a game lost, or not executing precisely as intended on a given play, offers a chance for growth. By learning from these experiences, one can anticipate greater achievements.”
At various junctures, his NFL future appeared uncertain. However, Darnold views these as integral components of the path that led him to this moment.
Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during Super Bowl LX Opening Night. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen via Getty Images)
Sam Darnold’s Unprecedented Super Bowl Journey
Among Super Bowl-starting quarterbacks, Jim Plunkett likely stands as Darnold’s closest parallel.
Plunkett, the inaugural selection of the 1971 NFL Draft, didn’t find success with the Patriots, then had a few respectable years with the 49ers prior to joining the Raiders, where he assumed the starting role in his second year with Oakland. Ultimately, he led the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories. Plunkett also struggled to garner the recognition typically afforded to most Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks — he and Eli Manning remain the sole eligible players to quarterback multiple Super Bowl triumphs without induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — and Darnold confronts a similar struggle for acknowledgment, notwithstanding his notable achievements with the Minnesota Vikings last season and the Seahawks this season.
Various other quarterbacks have embarked on indirect paths to becoming Super Bowl starters. Terry Bradshaw experienced an unsteady beginning to his professional journey prior to securing four Super Bowl wins, yet the Steelers maintained their commitment to him, in contrast to Darnold, who is now with his fifth team across eight seasons. Doug Williams was largely dismissed and well into his professional life when he earned Super Bowl XXII MVP with Washington, but he did achieve early career success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, diverging from Darnold’s experience. Rich Gannon became prominent later in his career, guiding the Raiders to a Super Bowl, though he was a fourth-round draft choice. Darnold, notably, was a third overall selection.
While some career trajectories resemble Darnold’s, they are few. Darnold’s tenure with the Jets concluded unsuccessfully after they drafted him, and his two seasons with the Panthers showed no improvement, leading him to what seemed to be a backup role with the 49ers. His opportunity arose due to McCarthy’s injury, and since then, his teams boast a 30-7 record, including postseason games.
Darnold expresses no resentment regarding the initial stages of his professional life. He demonstrates an ability to introspect, recognizing that challenging periods contributed to the formation of his career.
“I consider each experience unique, irrespective of the outcome,” Darnold shared. “I felt genuinely fortunate to be drafted by the Jets. Evidently, circumstances didn’t unfold as I desired there, and subsequently, I moved to the Carolina Panthers, where I forged numerous strong friendships and also gained valuable football knowledge. Simply another segment of my progression.”
“Afterward, I joined San Francisco, where I served as a reserve behind an exceptional talent in Brock Purdy and gained insights from a brilliant coach in Kyle Shanahan. … Subsequently, I moved to Minnesota, where once more, I was surrounded by truly outstanding coaches and players. In all my endeavors, I approach them methodically, day by day.”
Darnold’s Return to the Super Bowl Stage
Darnold attended the Super Bowl two years prior, but in a reserve capacity for the San Francisco 49ers. At every Super Bowl, some highly drafted players, largely overlooked, find themselves on a Super Bowl-bound roster fulfilling a minor function.
Football enthusiasts might have missed Darnold’s presence on a Super Bowl squad two years ago, yet he takes center stage for this upcoming event.
Throughout this season, Darnold frequently emphasized relying on his colleagues and avoiding overextending himself or committing errors out of pressure. Despite Darnold reaching the Super Bowl, he acknowledges he hasn’t perfected everything.
“I consistently discover new insights about myself and methods for improvement,” Darnold affirmed.
Darnold stands as a source of encouragement for numerous athletes throughout the league whose professional paths commenced sluggishly for a multitude of factors. Darnold demonstrated resilience despite critiques, assimilated knowledge from various team tenures, ultimately received his opportunity, and now stands one victory away from entering an exclusive and distinguished fraternity of starting quarterbacks with a Super Bowl championship.
His narrative is extraordinary, even if it deviates from the vision he once held years past.
“I believe a significant element of this is the expedition, isn’t it?” Darnold pondered. “I wouldn’t have foreseen … My ideal scenario would have been to be drafted by New York and remain there for two decades. Yet, circumstances simply did not align that way.”
“Seattle, right from the initial moment I arrived, immediately felt like my true dwelling.”
