Joe Montana Throws Support Behind Sam Darnold Ahead of Super Bowl LX
If you're a San Francisco 49ers fan, it’s safe to say this Super Bowl matchup probably stings a little. Not only did the Seattle Seahawks knock the Niners out of the playoffs in emphatic fashion, but now one of the franchise’s most iconic legends-Joe Montana-is openly rooting for the quarterback who led that charge: Sam Darnold.
Yes, that Sam Darnold.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Montana didn’t hold back when asked about the Seahawks’ starting quarterback. “Heck yeah.
I'm all for Sam Darnold,” Montana said. “The things that he's been through, the places that he's played, the games that he's won, even here in San Francisco before he got to Minnesota, like c’mon.
I saw a stat that he's won 28 games in the last two teams he was with. And he's now getting another chance here, and he's doing the same thing.
I'm pulling for him.”
It’s a full-circle moment for Darnold, who not long ago looked like he might fade into NFL obscurity. After being drafted third overall in 2018 by the New York Jets, his early career was defined by inconsistency, coaching turmoil, and a lack of support. Things didn’t get much better during a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers.
But in 2023, Darnold landed in San Francisco as a backup, a move that didn’t make many headlines at the time. He didn't see much action, but those inside the building saw the work ethic and professionalism he brought to the QB room. That quiet year behind the scenes laid the groundwork for what came next.
In 2024, Darnold signed with the Minnesota Vikings and promptly led them to a 14-3 record. Then came another offseason move-this time to Seattle-where he’s replicated that 14-3 mark and now has the Seahawks one win away from a Lombardi Trophy.
It hasn’t been a flawless ride. In November, Darnold threw four interceptions in a loss to the Rams, a performance that reignited questions about whether he could handle the pressure of big moments. But when the postseason lights came on, Darnold flipped the script.
He led the Seahawks to playoff wins over both the 49ers and the Rams-two teams that had previously exposed his flaws. And in the NFC Championship Game against Los Angeles, Darnold delivered arguably the best performance of his career: 346 passing yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions. Efficient, composed, and in total command.
That’s the version of Sam Darnold that has Joe Montana’s attention.
“I’m an NFC guy most of the time anyway, but I’m all about Sam,” Montana said. “He’s a good guy, a good player. I’m happy for him.”
It’s a sentiment that may be tough for some Niners fans to swallow, especially with the Seahawks gunning for another title. But from Montana’s perspective, this isn’t about rivalries or grudges-it’s about recognizing the journey of a player who’s fought through adversity, reshaped his narrative, and is now on the doorstep of NFL immortality.
And in a league that rarely offers second chances-let alone third or fourth-Darnold’s story is one that even a 49ers icon can’t help but root for.