How Scottie Scheffler inspired Seahawks' Sam Darnold ahead of Super Bowl victory

Last summer, golf superstar Scottie Scheffler went viral when he said that winning events and finding success on courses was "not the most important thing in my life," in part because he would "much rather be a great father than I would be a great golfer." 

Those words were on the mind of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold as Darnold celebrated his team's 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Sunday night.

Sam Darnold never got too low amid struggles, too high during positive runs

"You know, this game is amazing and it’s brought me a lot, but there’s more," Darnold told NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "It kind of reminds me, I don’t know if you saw what Scottie Scheffler said last year, but there’s more to life than just football. And I think having that kind of understanding helps me get through tough times, and it also allows me to stay grounded when things are going well."

Darnold credited his parents for the fact that he remained confident in his abilities long before he wrapped up a personal redemption tour by hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy on Sunday night. The New York Jets famously gave up on Darnold three seasons after they made him the third overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, and the Carolina Panthers then discarded him after a pair of campaigns. Last March, the Minnesota Vikings decided to let Darnold leave via free agency after he guided that club to a 14-3 record before he played poorly in back-to-back January defeats. 

"I think I’ve really just grown because I’ve made those mistakes," Darnold recalled about some of his more forgettable games, such as when he tossed four interceptions in Seattle's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams this past November. "There were a few years in New York where I’d like to have a lot of plays back. But I always woke up the next morning. And you just move on, life kind of goes on. And having a great family, a great fiancee, Katie, knowing that she’s always going to be at home waiting for me, those are the special things when you’re going through a hard time. Whether it’s in-game or after a game, those are the things you think about."

Sam Darnold knows he didn't quiet all doubters with Super Bowl win

Darnold mostly got away with being a game manager against the Patriots, as the Seattle defense dominated New England's offense throughout the contest. In total, Darnold completed 19-of-38 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown in the win. 

"We’re Super Bowl champs, and people are still going to find something to say that I didn’t do tonight," Darnold told Breer. "And I already know what I didn’t do. I didn’t throw it the way that I wanted to throw it tonight. But our defense had our back, and we made enough plays in the game. I’m very, very hard on myself that way. But at the same time, there is nothing that anyone can say that I don’t already know about myself. And people may demote my talent or my ability. I know it’s not true. I’m a heck of a player, and I’ve known that for a long time. And just to be able to put it all together, be on a really great team, great defense, and great coaches, it’s just special. And I think that’s why it’s special, is because of the guys in the locker room and the coaching staff that we have."