The Sam Darnold redemption story is quite something - from being rated as one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL to Super Bowl champion.
It's a tale of never giving up, of character, unwavering self-belief and persistence, but also a warning for teams not to write a quarterback off too soon.
As youngsters being drafted into the NFL are at the mercy of circumstance, not every team will fit every rookie and the sport's history is littered with college stars deemed not good enough.
They often bounce around from team to team, as Darnold did, but never has one plumbed the depths before managing to rise up and claim the sport's ultimate prize in the ultimate NFL redemption story.
Darnold's numbers with the New York Jets were stark; after suffering through three seasons with the franchise and two with Carolina, his impressive stats did not reflect promise. With only 21 career wins at that point and poor ratings across the board, he was quickly labeled a bust.
Yet here he is, wearing a Super Bowl champion's ring, flipping the narrative on its head. The Jets have struggled with consistency and performance from various quarterbacks since the 1970s, with Darnold's early days not standing out in what has become a cycle of mediocrity.
The turning point in Darnold's career came during his time with the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings, where he learned from success-driven environments and coaching staff. This foundation built up his confidence and skills before eventually landing with the Seahawks.
Darnold became the first quarterback to achieve back-to-back 14-win seasons with different teams—an unprecedented feat that added to his redemption as a player. With the support of a top defense and exceptional teammates like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker, Darnold ultimately led his Seahawks to victory in the Super Bowl, marking an end to his long journey of proving himself.
It's a reminder that the right environment can transform careers, and for Sam Darnold, the championship victory will resonate as a hallmark of resilience and determination for years to come.
