Russell Wilson Applauds Seahawks’ Playoff Surge - and Sam Darnold’s Redemption Arc
Russell Wilson may be nearing the twilight of his playing career, but the former Seahawks franchise quarterback is still dialed in when it comes to his old team. And after Seattle’s dominant performance against the 49ers in the Divisional Round, Wilson made it clear: he’s not just watching - he’s impressed.
The Seahawks didn’t just beat San Francisco. They dismantled them.
And while the 49ers were dealing with injuries, this was still a Kyle Shanahan-coached team - one that knows how to scheme its way out of trouble. But Seattle’s defense, under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, didn’t blink.
They swarmed, they hit, and they made one of the league’s most potent offenses look ordinary.
Wilson, who spent a decade building his legacy in Seattle, took to social media to share his thoughts after the win. And he didn’t just hype up the team - he highlighted the comeback story of quarterback Sam Darnold.
“Last Night’s game… shows how LEGIT this @Seahawks Team is… and I Love Sam Darnold’s comeback story! 🙌🏾” - Russell Wilson on X
It’s a simple message, but it carries weight. Wilson knows what it’s like to be the face of the franchise.
He also knows what it’s like to leave Seattle under complicated circumstances - including a reported push to oust head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider. That chapter didn’t end the way Wilson probably hoped, and his post-Seattle journey hasn’t exactly been smooth.
So maybe there's a little bit of self-reflection in that tweet. A nod to the idea of second chances. And right now, Sam Darnold is living one.
After bouncing around the league and never quite delivering on his early promise, Darnold has found something in Seattle - stability, confidence, and a system that plays to his strengths. He’s not just managing games; he’s making plays. And more importantly, he's winning.
But this isn’t a finished story. Far from it.
Darnold’s performance in the playoffs has been strong, but the stakes are only getting higher. With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, he’ll need to prove he can keep it together when it matters most.
That means protecting the football, executing under pressure, and showing he can be the guy - not just a placeholder - for a franchise with championship aspirations.
Seattle’s defense has already shown it can hold up its end of the bargain. Macdonald’s unit is fast, physical, and opportunistic.
They made the 49ers look out of sync, which is no small feat. If that level of play continues, the Seahawks don’t need Darnold to be perfect - just poised.
Next up: the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. These two teams split their regular season meetings, and both know each other well. It’s going to be a chess match - and a pressure cooker.
You can bet Russell Wilson will be watching. Not just as a former Seahawk, but as someone who understands what it means to carry a city’s hopes into January.
And if Darnold can keep this run going? He won’t just earn Wilson’s respect - he’ll earn the right to call Seattle his team.