Sam Darnold leads 49ers to Super Bowl 60 victory

Quarterback's journey from backup to Super Bowl champion caps remarkable turnaround

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Two years after serving as a backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Sam Darnold led the team to a Super Bowl 60 victory. Darnold's path to the championship game was filled with highs and lows, as he worked to revive a career that had previously been labeled a bust.

Why it matters

Darnold's Super Bowl win is a testament to perseverance and the power of second chances in the NFL. His journey from backup to champion showcases the 49ers' ability to develop talent and the resilience of players who overcome early career struggles.

The details

Darnold spent the 2024 season learning behind starter Brock Purdy and head coach Kyle Shanahan's system. In 2025, he took over as the starting quarterback and led the 49ers to the Super Bowl, capping a remarkable turnaround for a player who was once considered a bust.

  • Darnold served as the 49ers' backup quarterback in the 2024 season.
  • Darnold took over as the starting quarterback in the 2025 season.
  • The 49ers won Super Bowl 60 on February 9, 2026.

The players

Sam Darnold

The San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback who led the team to a Super Bowl 60 victory, completing a remarkable turnaround in his career.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who helped develop Darnold and guided the team to the Super Bowl championship.

Brock Purdy

The former starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who mentored Darnold during the 2024 season.

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What they’re saying

“It's unbelievable. Just everything that's happened in my career, but to do it with this team, I wouldn't want it any other way.”

— Sam Darnold (wn.com)

The takeaway

Darnold's journey from backup to Super Bowl champion is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability of teams to develop talent. His story serves as an inspiration for players who face early career struggles and are given a second chance to prove themselves.