Sam Darnold’s Ex-Teammate Reacts to His Super Bowl Success

The Seattle Seahawks will look to win the second Super Bowl in franchise history on Sunday evening, and they've been led to the big game by one of the most unlikely success stories in recent NFL memory.

Quarterback Sam Darnold has found a home in Seattle after spending time with several teams during his NFL career, experiencing the highs and lows of being a professional quarterback.

Darnold's career initially seemed destined to fizzle out after difficult stints with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, but he was able to find success as a replacement starter with the Minnesota Vikings.

Why Did the Vikings Move on From Darnold?

After rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy suffered a serious injury in the preseason, Darnold took over as starter in Minnesota. He led the Vikings to 14 wins and made the Pro Bowl for the first time, but the Vikings stuck behind their recent first round pick and allowed Darnold to enter free agency.

Sam Darnold becomes the first starting QB from the stacked 2018 Draft class to reach the Super Bowl! pic.twitter.com/GqK6ISbORW

— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026

As the Seahawks prepare for the Super Bowl with their new quarterback, one of Darnold's former Viking teammates says that the team may have been better off if they chose to re-sign him.

"Everyone knows the difficulty of the quarterback position this year, how we were dealt it," said Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, speaking to USA Today Sports.

"But having a quarterback that already had a season under his belt with us, knew the plays, knew the playbook, knew the players, throwing to me, Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson, all these guys, I definitely feel like we would have done better."

The Vikings struggled offensively in 2025 as McCarthy went through growing pains in his first season as starter. Minnesota ended with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs, while Darnold helped lead the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance in over a decade.

"It's definitely tough. It's tough to watch," Jefferson admitted.

"Of course, I love that he's in the Super Bowl. I'm happy for him, I want nothing but the best for him, especially the way his journey was at first, people doubting him and people not giving him the respect. Now they're giving him that respect. Now they're seeing that he's a top-tier quarterback in this league."

WE'RE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL ‼️ pic.twitter.com/iGmrQdf8EH

— xz* - Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 26, 2026

Darnold's Role in This Week's Super Bowl

Jefferson said that he wished Darnold would have been able to get the Vikings to the Super Bowl last year, but offered a prediction for this weekend's championship game.

"To see him blossom and bounce back right after last year and make it this year, I'm all happy for him, and I hope he wins," Jefferson added. "I'm rooting for Seattle and I think Seattle's going to win. I'll be rooting for him."

Fans can see if Jefferson's prediction comes true this Sunday, when Darnold's Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.