Sam Darnold: QB turns bust talk into elite company

Sam Darnold's career trajectory has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn, transforming him from a quarterback burdened by draft hype into a history-maker.

From 2018 through 2023, Darnold struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and a 21-35 record across starts for the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers. However, his recent seasons have showcased a remarkable resurgence. Last year, he led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record, and currently, he has the Seattle Seahawks positioned at 12-3 with two games remaining in the 2025 season.

This remarkable run has positioned Darnold to achieve a historic milestone: no quarterback has ever led two different teams to 13 victories in back-to-back seasons. His performance has also improved significantly, with a combined 59 touchdown passes and only 25 interceptions across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, a stark contrast to his early career numbers. This turnaround emphasizes how the right environment and coaching can unlock a quarterback's potential, mirroring the successes of players like Jared Goff and Daniel Jones.