From Bust to Super Bowl: Sam Darnold’s Stunning Revival is Fueling the Seahawks’ Title Run
There was a time-not long ago-when Sam Darnold’s name was shorthand for quarterback disappointment. Drafted with big expectations in 2018, his early NFL years were a carousel of coaching changes, offensive overhauls, and missed opportunities. But now, in a twist few saw coming, Darnold is headed to Super Bowl LX as the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks-and he’s doing it on the back of one of the most eye-popping career turnarounds in recent memory.
This week, the football world took notice when a graphic circulating on social media laid it out in bold terms: Darnold has thrown nearly as many touchdown passes in the past two seasons as he did in his first six combined. That’s not just a bounce-back-that’s a full-blown reinvention.
Let’s put the numbers into perspective. From 2018 to 2023, Darnold totaled 63 touchdown passes while bouncing between teams and systems. He struggled to find his footing, and the narrative around him was clear: another talented college quarterback who couldn’t quite make it stick in the pros.
Then came the shift. In his final season with the Vikings, Darnold lit it up for 35 touchdown passes-a career-best by a wide margin.
That performance caught Seattle’s attention, and the Seahawks brought him in ahead of the 2025 season. He rewarded their faith with another strong campaign, throwing 25 more touchdowns and leading a balanced, efficient offense.
That’s 60 touchdowns and over 8,300 passing yards across two seasons-nearly matching the production he posted over his entire first six years in the league.
And now, with Seattle back in the Super Bowl after taking down the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, Darnold is front and center. He threw three touchdown passes in that win, showcasing the poise and precision that have defined this late-career resurgence.
But the story goes deeper than just the stat sheet. What we’re seeing is what happens when a quarterback finally lands in the right situation.
Seattle has surrounded Darnold with stability-something he never had in the early stages of his career. A consistent coaching staff, a system tailored to his strengths, and a locker room that believes in him have all played a role in unlocking the version of Darnold many thought was lost.
Sam Darnold's resurgence needs to be studied 🔥
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) January 31, 2026
Nearly as many passing TDs in his last 2 seasons as he had in his first 6 seasons 🤯#NFL | #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/aOR67jaBss
It’s not just a feel-good story. It’s a case study in how patience, structure, and the right fit can change the trajectory of a player’s career. Darnold didn’t suddenly become a different quarterback-he finally got the chance to be the one he was always capable of becoming.
As the Seahawks prepare for the biggest game of the season, they do so with a quarterback who’s gone from afterthought to centerpiece. Sam Darnold’s journey isn’t just about redemption-it’s about rewriting the narrative entirely. And now, with a Lombardi Trophy within reach, he’s got the chance to finish one of the most improbable comebacks the league has seen in years.