Every Sam Darnold Question on 'ESPN Jeopardy'

"In 2026, Sam won the Super Bowl, and Minnesota fired the GM who thought this Michigan quarterback was a better bet."

Answer: Who is JJ McCarthy?

Without the Minnesota Vikings' desire to keep JJ McCarthy, the Seahawks would never have landed Darnold in free agency. The Vikings' decision to move on from him led the Seahawks to sign him to a three-year, $100 million contract, which he proved to make it count in Year 1.

Now, the Seahawks are going into Year 2 of the Darnold era confident as ever in his abilities while the Vikings are having McCarthy compete for the starting job against Kyler Murray.

400 Points

"As a backup playing home games in Levi's Stadium, where he later won the Super Bowl, Sam learned a lot from this head coach."

Answer: Who is Kyle Shanahan?

Shanahan was one of the coaches Darnold ended up beating in the playoffs last season as the Seahawks torched the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. The Seahawks clearly respect Shanahan as a coach as they hired Klint Kubiak from his coaching tree to be their offensive coordinator in 2025 before adding Brian Fleury, who served as the Niners' tight ends coach last season.

600 Points

"Can redheads throw spirals? Yes. There was Sonny Jurgensen, who died in 2026, and Sam, who Marshawn Lynch appropriately called this."

Answer: What is 'Ginger'?

Upon joining the Seahawks last offseason, Lynch gave his stamp of approval in his own unique way.

800 Points

"Early on, Sam had a tough day on Monday Night Football and, while mic'd up, made the spooky admission that he was seeing these."

Answer: What are ghosts?

Before arriving in Seattle and winning a Super Bowl, this was arguably the moment that defined Darnold's career. The Monday Night Football game in question came in Week 7 of his second season, where he threw four interceptions in a 33-0 loss to the New England Patriots.

Many believed Darnold wouldn't improve beyond this point, but it's safe to say he's put those ghosts to bed.

1000 Points

"Introduced as the Seahawks quarterback, Sam said, 'Excited to meet some of the fans. The [these] to finally have them on my side.'"

Answer: Who are the 12s?

Darnold gave the 12s reason to celebrate last season and he hopes to continue doing so in training camp this summer.