Vikings Make Historic Sam Darnold Announcement Ahead of Matchup With Lions

The Minnesota Vikings have stunned the NFL world this season. After being predicted to finish last in the NFC North, especially following a season-ending injury to rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy, the Vikings have far exceeded expectations. 

Sam Darnold, who was brought in as place-holding option, has stepped in and led the team to an incredible 14-2 record, including a season sweep of the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. 

Now, with a chance to win the NFC North and claim the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC, the Vikings are gearing up for a high-stakes matchup with the Detroit Lions on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 18.

While the Vikings' success this season can be attributed to a well-rounded effort from both their offense and defense, much of the attention has been focused on Darnold and his impressive career turnaround. 

Once viewed as a "prove-it" year for the former first-round pick after bouncing between teams, Darnold has defied the odds and played the best football of his career, and heading into the Week 18 showdown, he has made NFL history in his first year with Minnesota.

The Vikings announced on Sunday that Darnold is the first quarterback in NFL history to lead his team to 14+ wins in their first season with the organization.