Former Jets QB Sam Darnold leads Seahawks to Super Bowl

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Sam Darnold, once the highly touted 3rd overall pick of the New York Jets in 2018, struggled during his first three NFL seasons with the team. After being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, Darnold's career was resurrected, leading to him joining the Seattle Seahawks and guiding them to the Super Bowl this year, where he'll face the New England Patriots.

Why it matters

Darnold's journey from Jets bust to Seahawks Super Bowl starter is a remarkable turnaround, highlighting the ups and downs of an NFL quarterback's career. The Jets' decision to move on from Darnold and draft Zach Wilson also comes into focus, as Wilson has not panned out so far, while Darnold has found success elsewhere.

The details

After being selected 3rd overall by the Jets in 2018, Darnold struggled with inconsistency and turnovers in his first three NFL seasons, going just 13-25 as a starter. His low point came during a 2019 "Monday Night Football" game against the Patriots, where he was caught on mic saying "I'm seeing ghosts." The Jets ultimately traded Darnold to the Panthers in 2021, before drafting Zach Wilson 2nd overall. Darnold then had a breakout 2024 season as the Vikings' starting QB, leading to him joining the Seahawks this year, where he's guided them to the Super Bowl.

• Darnold was selected 3rd overall by the Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft.
• In October 2019, Darnold was caught on mic saying "I'm seeing ghosts" during a blowout loss to the Patriots on Monday Night Football.
• The Jets traded Darnold to the Carolina Panthers in April 2021, ahead of that year's NFL Draft.
• Darnold had a breakout 2024 season as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback.
• This season, Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a Super Bowl 60 appearance.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Darnold and the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on Sunday.