Samuel Richard Darnold (born June 5, 1997) is an American professional football quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his mobility, gunslinger mentality, and resilience, Sam Darnold has played for multiple teams in his NFL career, culminating in a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 that earned him Pro Bowl honors.
Darnold first gained national attention at USC, where he became the first freshman to win the prestigious Archie Griffin Award, recognizing the most valuable player to his team. Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he has since played for the Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and now Seattle Seahawks.
Quick Facts of Sam Darnold
| Full Name | Samuel Richard Darnold |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1997 (Age 28) |
| Place of Birth | Dana Point, California, U.S. |
| Height / Weight | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) / 225 lb (102 kg) |
| High School | San Clemente (San Clemente, California) |
| College | USC (2015–2017) |
| NFL Draft | 2018, 1st Round, 3rd Overall |
| Current Team | Seattle Seahawks (2025–present) |
| Career Highlights | Pro Bowl (2024), First-team All-Pac-12 (2017), Archie Griffin Award (2016), Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (2016) |
Early Life
Sam Darnold was born in Dana Point, California, and attended San Clemente High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Initially a wide receiver and linebacker, he became the starting quarterback as a sophomore after an injury to the starter. His high school career included 3,000 passing yards and 39 touchdowns in his senior year, as well as 800 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
Darnold’s basketball skills—long-range passing and athleticism—translated seamlessly to football, showcasing his field vision and mobility. Rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, he chose to play college football at USC after impressing coaches Clay Helton and Steve Sarkisian.
College Career (USC Trojans)
- 2015: Redshirted as a freshman behind Cody Kessler and Max Browne.
- 2016: Became starting quarterback, setting USC freshman records with 26 passing touchdowns. Named Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and led USC to a victory in the 2017 Rose Bowl, setting passing touchdown and total yardage records.
- 2017: Led USC to the Pac-12 Championship, throwing for over 4,100 yards and 26 touchdowns. Awarded Archie Griffin Award, the first freshman ever to receive it.
Professional Career
New York Jets (2018–2020)
Drafted third overall in 2018, Darnold became the youngest opening-day starting quarterback since the AFL-NFL merger. His tenure with the Jets was marked by early promise but inconsistent play and injuries, finishing with 2,865 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in his rookie season.
Carolina Panthers (2021–2022)
Traded in 2021, Darnold served as starter and backup over two seasons. He overcame injuries, including a fractured scapula and high ankle sprain, finishing 2022 with 1,143 passing yards and 7 touchdowns in a backup role.
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
Signed a one-year contract as a backup to Brock Purdy. Darnold started the final regular-season game and participated in the postseason run to Super Bowl LVIII, which the 49ers lost 25–22.
Minnesota Vikings (2024)
Darnold earned a career resurgence as the Vikings’ starter, throwing 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and achieving a 102.5 passer rating. He led the team to a 14–2 record, marking the first 14-win season by a quarterback in his first year with a team. Named to his first Pro Bowl, he earned an AP Comeback Player of the Year nomination.
Seattle Seahawks (2025–present)
Signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract, with $37.5 million guaranteed in year one. The deal secures Darnold as the Seahawks’ franchise quarterback while providing flexibility for the team.
Playing Style
Though primarily a pocket passer, Sam Darnold is praised for his mobility under pressure, allowing him to extend plays and throw on the run. Often described as a gunslinger, he combines arm strength with calculated risk-taking, making him a dual-threat in the modern NFL.
