Sam Darnold’s Redemption Arc Has the Seahawks on the Brink of a Super Bowl-and the NFL Watching Closely
Sam Darnold’s NFL story has taken more turns than most quarterbacks ever experience. From top-three draft pick to castoff, from the depths of quarterback purgatory to the doorstep of the Super Bowl, Darnold’s journey is the kind of redemption arc that feels tailor-made for a Hollywood script-or, in this case, a playoff run in Seattle.
Let’s be honest: not many people expected this. Not after the way things started in New York.
Darnold came into the league with sky-high expectations, but the Jets never gave him the support or structure a young quarterback needs. Between coaching instability, a lackluster supporting cast, and a system that rarely played to his strengths, Darnold’s early years were more about survival than development.
But here we are, six seasons later, and Darnold is leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. It hasn’t always been smooth-his regular season was a mixed bag, especially down the stretch-but he’s earned the trust of his locker room and the belief of a city that knows a thing or two about gritty football.
The NFL’s Ultimate Comeback Story?
In a league where the quarterback position is scrutinized more than any other, Darnold’s resurgence is nothing short of remarkable. He didn’t just hang around-he battled through adversity, stayed ready, and seized the moment when it finally arrived. That kind of perseverance resonates, not just with fans in Seattle, but with football fans everywhere who appreciate the long road back.
And it’s not just fans who are noticing. Legendary quarterback Joe Montana, a man who knows what greatness looks like, recently voiced his support for Darnold during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
"I'm for Sam Darnold," Montana said. "The things that he's been through, the places that he's played, the games he's won...
I'm pulling for him. I'm all for Sam.
He's a good guy and a good player, and I'm happy for him."
That’s high praise from one of the greatest to ever do it. And it’s not the first time someone from 49ers royalty has backed Darnold.
Kyle Shanahan, while coaching Darnold in San Francisco in 2023, made headlines when he likened Darnold’s potential to that of Hall of Famer Steve Young. At the time, it sounded like a stretch.
Now? It doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
Right Player, Right System, Right Time
What’s changed for Darnold? More than anything, it’s about fit.
Seattle has provided the structure, stability, and support he never had in New York. The coaching staff has put him in positions to succeed, and Darnold has responded with poise, leadership, and-when it’s mattered most-playmaking.
His command of the offense has grown with each passing week. He’s not trying to be a hero on every snap anymore.
He’s trusting the system, taking what the defense gives him, and making smart decisions. And when the moment calls for it, he’s shown he can still make the kind of throws that made him a top pick in the first place.
The Seahawks, for their part, have rallied around him. This isn’t just a quarterback playing well-it’s a team believing in their guy. That belief has carried them through tough stretches and close calls, and it’s a big reason why they’re still standing in late January.
A City-and a League-Pulling for Him
Seattle fans have seen their share of quarterback drama over the years. From the highs of the Russell Wilson era to the uncertainty that followed, this season has been a breath of fresh air. Darnold may not have the flashiest numbers, but he’s brought stability, toughness, and a quiet confidence to the huddle.
And that’s what makes this story so compelling. It’s not just about numbers or highlight reels.
It’s about resilience. It’s about a player who refused to let early failure define him.
It’s about a team that saw potential where others saw a bust. And now, it’s about a shot at the sport’s biggest prize.
With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away, all eyes are on Seattle-and on Sam Darnold. Whether or not the Seahawks hoist the Lombardi Trophy, one thing is already clear: Darnold’s comeback is one of the most inspiring stories of this NFL season.
And if Joe Montana is pulling for him? You’re not wrong to do the same.