Louis Riddick expands on Sam Darnold's development after redemption season concludes with first Super Bowl

Anyone familiar with Darnold's career is no stranger to how his career started. As someone viewed as the franchise QB for the New York Jets, it was clear that was not going to be the case with 45 TDs and 39 interceptions in his three seasons there.

His two-year stint with the Carolina Panthers was much of the same with 16 TDs and 16 interceptions, in addition to multiple injuries. In those first five seasons with the Jets and Panthers, Darnold completed less than 60% of his throws in four of them. 

After being demoted to a backup role with the 49ers in 2023, Darnold's redemption story began with the Minnesota Vikings during the 2024 season. During his only season there, Darnold led Minnesota to 14 wins and career-highs in every major statistical category at the time.

He was shockingly let go by the Vikings, but it is becoming clear how that worked out for both parties involved. While Minnesota missed the playoffs entirely, Darnold became the first starting QB in league history to win a Super Bowl after playing for at least five teams.

Darnold was only 19-of-38 for 202 yards and one TD in the Super Bowl, but he did not have to be special for the Seahawks to have success. They had the league's best scoring defense (16.9 PPG), Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and the league's leading receiver during the regular season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The system was in place for Darnold to have success.

Darnold found himself in a difficult position with the Jets and Panthers, but after beginning his redemption arc with the Vikings, he reached the top of the mountain with the Seahawks.

His Super Bowl performance may have lacked the heroics many would expect on the biggest stage, but with the talent and system surrounding him, taking care of the ball was simply all he needed to do to finish the season on top.