New

Nfl World Praises Sam Darnold's 'comeback Story'

It took five teams, nearly 3,000 pass attempts and almost eight full years, but Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, is going to be a starter in the Super Bowl. The NFL world can't get enough of his "comeback story."

NFL players – past and present – coaches and analysts rushed to congratulate the Seattle Seahawks quarterback on social media after Darnold led Seattle to an NFC title on Jan. 25. The former New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings quarterback saved one of his best performances for the biggest game of his career, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

It's his first time winning the NFC championship as a starter. Darnold previously won a conference title as a backup when the 49ers went to the Super Bowl two years ago.

After a tumultuous first seven seasons in the league that included three teams intentionally moving on from him, Darnold has become the first quarterback from the impressive 2018 NFL Draft class – one that included Baker Mayfield and NFL MVPs Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson – to win a conference title as a starter.

Here's how the NFL world reacted to Darnold's big moment:

NFL NEWS, TAKES, FANTASY ADVICE: USA TODAY Sports has you covered with our NFL vodcast

NFL world praises Sam Darnold after Seahawks' NFC championship win

Among the first to congratulate Darnold was former Seahawks quarterback and pending free agent Russell Wilson, who won a Lombardi Trophy with Seattle in Super Bowl 48.

Sam Darnold’s comeback story over the past 2 years has been one of the most inspirational things to watch! Cool seeing him overcome!!! Congrats bro.
Hope you win it! ????
Go Hawks
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 26, 2026

Back to Listing

credit:

Nfl World Praises Sam Darnold's 'comeback Story'

NFL world praises Sam Darnold after Seahawks' NFC championship win

Popular Products