Sam Darnold Made Impressive NFL History In Week 17

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 11:47 AM ET

It may not have been the cleanest of games for Sam Darnold in Week 17, but that didn't stop the former No. 3 pick from making some unprecedented NFL history on Sunday.

Darnold finished 18-of-27 with just 147 yards, a touchdown and an interception in yesterday's 27-10 victory over Bryce Young and the Panthers at Lumen Field — notching Seattle its 13th win of the season.

The 28-year-old's play has earned him his second straight Pro Bowl nod after many had labeled him a bust by Year 3 in the league — and now he's done something that no NFL player at his position has ever done.

Nov 2, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks on during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Sam Darnold makes rare NFL history in Seahawks' Week 17 win

The Seahawks' 13th win comes just one year after Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 mark in 2024 — making him the first QB to ever author back-to-back 13-win seasons with two different teams in consecutive seasons.

Only four quarterbacks in league history have ever posted back-to-back 13-win seasons before Darnold, putting him in some elite company:

Aaron Rodgers, Packers (2019-2021)
Peyton Manning, Broncos (2012-13)
Tom Brady, Patriots (2003-04 & 2010-11)
Brett Favre, Packers (1996-97)

Rarely does a team that wins that amount of games in season decide to go in a different direction at quarterback (outside of a situation like retirement), but the Vikings thought they'd be better off going with J.J. McCarthy in '25 over their late-blooming veteran (and they were wrong).

Seattle set up for winner-take-all regular season finale

Speaking to reporters after Sunday's win, Darnold made sure to shoutout the collective team effort it took as Seattle prepares for next week's winner-take-all NFC West showdown.

"It was, I felt like, a slow start but a good win — a good team win," Darnold said, via ESPN.com. "Again, not the way we wanted to start on offense, but I feel like our defense and our special teams kept us in the game. We did enough in the second half as an offense to win the game."

"It's a big game," the QB added looking ahead to the 49ers. "We're excited about that opportunity. We're going to enjoy this one a little bit and get focused on them tomorrow."

Darnold's career turnaround has been nothing short of impressive. But he still has some demons left to exorcise going into a high-leverage spot against his former team in primetime.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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