Sam Darnold’s Redemption Arc Hits Super Bowl Stage - And Justin Jefferson Is All In
Sam Darnold’s NFL journey has been anything but linear. Once written off as a cautionary tale of unmet potential, he’s now writing a very different story - one that ends on the sport’s biggest stage.
After leading back-to-back 14-3 seasons, first with the Vikings in 2024 and now with the Seahawks in 2025, Darnold has gone from afterthought to centerpiece. And he’s got the respect of one of the league’s brightest stars to prove it.
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota’s All-Pro wide receiver and one of the most respected voices in the game, recently made it clear: he’s not just watching Darnold’s Super Bowl run - he’s rooting for it.
“It’s tough to watch. I love that he’s in the Super Bowl,” Jefferson said.
“I’m happy for him, I want nothing but the best for him, especially the way his journey was at first - people doubting him, and people not giving him the respect. Now they’re giving him the respect.
Now they’re seeing that he’s a top-tier quarterback in this league.”
That’s not just a former teammate offering polite praise. That’s a star player recognizing the grind, the growth, and the grit it took for Darnold to get here. And Jefferson didn’t stop there.
“Of course, selfishly, I wish he had done that for us last year,” Jefferson added. “But to see him blossom and bounce back right after last year and make it this year, I’m happy for him, and I hope he wins. I’m rooting for Seattle, and I think Seattle’s gonna win.”
That’s a powerful endorsement - not just of Darnold’s talent, but of his character. And it speaks volumes about the impression he left in just one season in Minnesota.
A Culture Shift in Seattle
When Seattle signed Darnold last offseason, the move didn’t exactly send shockwaves through the league. Especially after trading away Geno Smith to the Raiders and shipping star wideout DK Metcalf to the Steelers, many assumed the Seahawks were entering a soft rebuild. A 10-7 record in 2024 had some expecting regression, not a Super Bowl run.
But Darnold, along with veteran additions like Cooper Kupp and DeMarcus Lawrence, brought more than just production - they brought stability. The Seahawks didn’t just get a new quarterback; they got a new locker room identity.
Gone was the volatility that sometimes accompanied the Smith-Metcalf era. In its place?
A steady, focused leadership core that helped reset the tone in Seattle. Darnold’s calm demeanor, Kupp’s professionalism, and Lawrence’s championship pedigree gave the Seahawks a foundation that extended far beyond the Xs and Os.
And while Darnold’s numbers have been strong, it’s the intangibles that have arguably been even more valuable - the kind of leadership that earns the admiration of teammates past and present.
A Quiet Confidence, A Loud Statement
Jefferson’s comments weren’t just about Darnold’s play - they were about his perseverance. The quarterback who was once doubted, dismissed, and derailed has become the one leading his team to the Super Bowl. And that kind of comeback resonates - especially with players who’ve shared a huddle with him.
Would the Vikings have been better with Darnold under center in 2025? That’s a fair question - and one Jefferson didn’t shy away from. But what’s clear is that Darnold’s presence made a lasting impact in Minnesota, even if it was only for one season.
Now, as Seattle prepares for Super Bowl LX, they’ll do so with a quarterback who’s not only playing the best football of his career but doing it with the full support of those who’ve seen his journey up close.
From overlooked to undeniable - Sam Darnold’s redemption arc is headed to the biggest stage in football. And he’s got some high-profile fans rooting for him all the way.