Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Shares Emotional Words to Parents After Super Bowl Win

The 28-year-old quarterback opened up about the impact his parents had on his career after leading the Seahawks to victory.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold shared the touching confession he told his parents Chris Darnold and Mike Darnold after his team won the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots on Feb. 8. Darnold, 28, said he told his parents that their belief in him throughout his career is what allowed him to have the confidence to succeed on the field.

Why it matters

Darnold's emotional words to his parents after the big win highlight the important role family support can play in an athlete's journey to the top. His story resonates with many who have chased their dreams with the encouragement of loved ones.

The details

In a post-game interview, Darnold said he told his parents, "I'm here because of your belief. You believed in me throughout my entire career, and I think that's why I was able to believe in myself." Darnold's parents, Chris and Mike, were both athletes in college, with his dad playing football and his mom on the volleyball team. The quarterback credited his parents' support for allowing him to play with confidence throughout his NFL career.

  • The Seahawks won the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026.

The players

Sam Darnold

The 28-year-old quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks who led his team to victory in the 2026 Super Bowl.

Chris Darnold

Sam Darnold's father, who played football at the University of Redlands.

Mike Darnold

Sam Darnold's mother, who played volleyball at Long Beach City College.

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Kenneth Walker

The running back for the Seattle Seahawks.

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What they’re saying

“It's special. I think that's what kind of got me a little bit. Me and my dad don't really cry very often. I told my dad and my mom I'm here because of their belief. They believed in me throughout my entire career, and I think that's why I was able to believe in myself, almost ad nauseam.”

— Sam Darnold, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks (eonline.com)

“You're a Super Bowl champion brother.”

— Mike Macdonald, Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks (ESPN)

“Everything that's happened in my career but to do it with this team, I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm so proud of our guys.”

— Sam Darnold, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks (eonline.com)

“It's a dream come true. A lot of people play their whole career and never make it this far.”

— Kenneth Walker, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks (eonline.com)

What’s next

The Seahawks will celebrate their Super Bowl victory with a parade through downtown Seattle on February 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Darnold's emotional words to his parents after winning the Super Bowl are a powerful reminder of the impact family support can have on an athlete's journey to the top. His story resonates with many who have chased their dreams with the encouragement of loved ones.