Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Honors Parents After Super Bowl LX Win

Darnold credits his family's unwavering support for his first NFL championship

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold celebrated his first Super Bowl victory by honoring his parents, who he says believed in him throughout his entire career even when others doubted his ability to lead a team to a championship. Darnold became emotional as he shared the moment with his parents and fiancee after the Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX.

Why it matters

Darnold's journey to the Super Bowl championship has been marked by doubts about his leadership abilities, but his parents' steadfast support helped him overcome those challenges and reach the pinnacle of his career.

The details

After the game, Darnold expressed his gratitude to his parents, saying 'I told my dad and my mom that I'm here because of their belief in me. They believed in me throughout my entire career. I think that's why I was able to believe in myself almost ad nauseam.' Darnold had previously struggled to find success, jumping between multiple teams before signing a three-year deal with the Seahawks.

  • Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026.

The players

Sam Darnold

The 28-year-old quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks who won his first Super Bowl championship.

Katie

Darnold's fiancee who he shared the Super Bowl victory with.

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What they’re saying

“It's special. I shared a great moment with my parents and my fiancee Katie after the game, and I think that's what kind of got me a little bit. My dad and I don't really cry very often.”

— Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks Quarterback (ClutchPoints)

“I told my dad and my mom that I'm here because of their belief in me. They believed in me throughout my entire career. I think that's why I was able to believe in myself almost ad nauseam.”

— Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks Quarterback (ClutchPoints)

The takeaway

Darnold's emotional tribute to his parents after winning the Super Bowl highlights the importance of unwavering family support, even in the face of doubters, in helping athletes reach the pinnacle of their careers.