Ernest Jones IV Defends Sam Darnold, Shuts Down Puka Nacua After Seahawks’ Super Bowl Win
Fresh off a dominant Super Bowl performance, Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV made it clear: if you come at his quarterback, you're going to hear from him. And that’s exactly what happened after former Rams teammate Puka Nacua took a jab at Sam Darnold on social media.
Jones joined The Rich Eisen Show this week and didn’t hold back when asked about Nacua’s post, which came shortly after Seattle’s 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
“I mean, it was crazy to me,” Jones said. “One thing about me - and I’mma stand on this - you don’t say nothing about my teammates.
Nothing. Then you talk about my quarterback?
I’m not going for it.”
Jones said he was still soaking in the championship moment when the tweet popped up on his phone. “People are texting me congratulations, and this pops up,” he said.
“I’m the ultimate teammate. Don’t say nothing about my guys.
So of course, I had to respond to an old teammate of mine.”
The tweet in question? Nacua simply posted, “😂 sam darnold.”
That was enough to spark a reaction from Jones, who quickly fired back with: “Ain’t you at home. Goofy a**.”
That response wasn’t just about defending a teammate - it was about defending a quarterback who played a key role in Seattle’s championship run. Darnold, who joined the Seahawks in March, found his groove in 2025, developing strong chemistry with young wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba and earning a Pro Bowl nod along the way.
In the Super Bowl, Darnold did exactly what the Seahawks needed: he managed the game with poise, avoided costly mistakes, and kept the Patriots' defense on its heels. With that win, he became the first quarterback from the 2018 draft class - a group that included Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, and Lamar Jackson - to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
But while Darnold was steady under center, Jones was the tone-setter on the other side of the ball. The All-Pro linebacker was everywhere this season - leading Seattle with 126 total tackles (60 solo), five interceptions, 150 return yards, and a touchdown over 15 games. And when the lights were brightest in the playoffs, he turned it up even more.
In three postseason games, Jones racked up 25 tackles - 20 of them solo - forced a fumble, and added another interception. His sideline-to-sideline presence and ability to read plays before they developed were crucial in shutting down opposing offenses, including a Rams team he once called home in the NFC Championship.
That win over the Rams added another layer to Jones’ season, considering he helped lead LA to a Super Bowl title back in 2022. But now, with two rings and a leadership role on one of the league’s most complete defenses, Jones is firmly established as one of the NFL’s elite linebackers - and a vocal locker room presence who isn’t afraid to speak up for his guys.
As for Darnold, the quarterback many had written off earlier in his career now has a Super Bowl ring and a team that believes in him. His journey from journeyman to champion is one of the more compelling arcs in recent memory - and it’s clear his teammates, especially Jones, have his back every step of the way.
With both Jones and Darnold locked in and looking ahead to 2026, the Seahawks aren’t just celebrating - they’re eyeing a repeat. And if you’ve got something to say about it, expect Ernest Jones IV to say something right back.