Sam Darnold’s career came full circle Sunday night as he led the Seattle Seahawks to a 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams, securing a trip to Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California. The celebration inside the locker room featured cigars, photos, and the Notorious B.I.G. anthem “Going Back to Cali,” echoing the journey of a quarterback who has rebuilt his career from the ashes.
California has always been part of Darnold’s story. He starred at San Clemente High School, became a top NFL draft prospect at USC, and later revived his professional career on the San Francisco 49ers practice field. Now, heading to Levi’s Stadium, he has the opportunity to close that circle with a Super Bowl appearance and potentially a ring.
Critics had long doubted Darnold’s ability to perform in big games. During the NFC divisional round, despite Seattle’s 41-6 victory over the 49ers, Darnold threw only 17 passes, leading some to say he “didn’t win the game, just didn’t lose it.” That narrative changed Sunday. Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns, all under pressure, with zero interceptions — a career milestone — proving his critics wrong.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold for stepping up. “He shut a lot of people up tonight,” Macdonald said. “Every time they went and scored again, he came back. He made big-time throws on third down. He barely practiced all week. He deserves it. He’s been a rock for us all year.”
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba echoed that sentiment, calling Darnold a “true leader” who guided the team to victory. Safety Julian Love, who previously played with Darnold in New York, also defended him, noting that early criticism of the quarterback was undeserved. “All that criticism is not warranted. He showed up when it mattered and won us a game today,” Love said.
Darnold’s path to this point has been far from straightforward. After a difficult stint with the New York Jets and a short tenure with the Carolina Panthers, Darnold earned a backup role with the 49ers in 2023. There, he impressed enough to rebuild his reputation, eventually earning starting roles with the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. He now becomes the first starting quarterback from the 2018 NFL Draft class to reach the Super Bowl, ahead of peers like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Baker Mayfield.
Despite battling an oblique injury that limited his practice time, Darnold delivered under pressure against Matthew Stafford and the Rams, outdueling the likely upcoming MVP. His teammates and coaches credit not only his physical performance but also his leadership and resilience in overcoming a career marked by setbacks.
“Longest way back to Cali for anyone on the roster,” Smith-Njigba said. “We believe in him. This building believes in him. This city believes in him.”
With Super Bowl 60 approaching, Darnold’s journey — from a California high school standout to a quarterback doubted at every turn — now stands as a story of redemption, perseverance, and the chance to cement his legacy on the biggest stage.