From rough start to unlikely finish, Seahawks QB Sam Darnold smiled his way to Super Bowl

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From rough start to unlikely finish, Seahawks QB Sam Darnold smiled his way to Super Bowl

Nate Davis, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Sun, Feb 8, 2026 ·

9 min read

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SAN JOSE, CA – "I love Sam Darnold ."

It was a simple, explicit message adorning the T-shirt worn by Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp on Thursday, the final day he and his teammates met with reporters in the lead-up to Super Bowl 60 .

"I'm a fan of our quarterback," said Kupp. "Pretty self-explanatory."

And, seemingly, a pretty universal sentiment – even if it's been expressed in a variety of ways.

If, like me, you don't have a rooting interest in Sunday's game between the New England Patriots and Darnold's Seahawks , he sure seems like a worthy guy to pull for − and that's no knock against coach Mike Vrabel, convivial QB Drake Maye or an edition of the Pats well removed from Bill Belichick's Evil Empire dynasty.

But Darnold's teammates paint a picture of a resilient guy whose overcome adversity with class and a smile.

Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV famously resorted to an F-bomb while defending Darnold following a four-interception game to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11, which also happens to be the Seahawks' most recent loss.

"You don't go too far without a good quarterback, and Sam's been the right piece," Jones told USA TODAY Sports this week. "I think that's carried us over the hump."

Yet colorful language still seems to emerge when anyone suggests Darnold, a Pro Bowler the past two seasons, might be Seattle's weak link.

"We don't read into that," Seahawks tight end AJ Barner told USA TODAY Sports, "we know it's all (b.s.), to be honest with you. He shows up to play, and we follow his lead."

And, by nearly every account, that's what Seattle players and coaches have done from the minute Darnold arrived after signing a three-year, $100.5 million deal during free agency last March.

"I think when you saw him show up and just treat everybody really well, all about football, serious about his business but not taking himself too seriously, great worker – and then it's like, OK, that's how he is. And then he's doing that every day of the week, and then the next week and the next week. You learn to rely on that person and (say), 'I like who this guy is, and he's the same guy every day,'" Seahawks special teams coach Jay Harbaugh told USA TODAY Sports.

"It's a great thing. Season comes, and he plays well. Bad practice, same guy. Good practice, same guy. Good game, bad game, same guy. It's a neat thing, that stability, the consistency – guys gravitate towards people like that.

"He's been fantastic, and we're really thankful to have him."

Super Bowl I (Packers 35, Chiefs 10): Green Bay Packers running back Jim Taylor (31) follows the blocks of Jerry Kramer (64), Marv Fleming (81) and Forrest Gregg (75) against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
(Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl II (Packers 33, Raiders 14): Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr (15) drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders at the Orange Bowl.
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Super Bowl III (Jets 16, Colts 7): New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) looks to throw as Baltimore Colts linebacker Dennis Gaubatz (53) applies pressure during Super Bowl III at the Orange Bowl.
(Darryl Norenberg, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl IV (Chiefs 23, Vikings 7): Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Buck Buchanan (86) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Dave Osborn (41) during Super Bowl VI at Tulane Stadium.
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl V (Colts 16, Cowboys 13): Baltimore Colts running back Norm Bulaich (36) eludes Dallas Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan (55) during Super Bowl V at the Orange Bowl.
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Super Bowl VI (Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3): Dallas Cowboys running back Duane Thomas (33) carries the football against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI at Tulane Stadium.
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Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.

(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl VIII (Dolphins 24, Vikings 7): Miami Dolphins running back Larry Csonka (39) scores on a 5-yard touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings during Super Bowl VIII at Rice Stadium.
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Super Bowl IX (Steelers 16, Vikings 6): Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Dwight White (78) and linebacker Jack Lambert (58) stop Minnesota Vikings running back Dave Osborn (41) during Super Bowl IX at Tulane Stadium.
(Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl X (Steelers 21, Cowboys 17): Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris (32) run against the Dallas Cowboys during Super Bowl X at the Orange Bowl.
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XI (Raiders 32, Vikings 14): Oakland Raiders running back Clarence Davis (28) carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI at the Rose Bowl. Davis rushed for 137 yards in Oakland's win.
(Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XII (Cowboys 27, Broncos 10): Dallas Cowboys defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones (72) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) during Super Bowl XII at the Superdome.
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Super Bowl XIII (Steelers 35, Cowboys 31): Dallas Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith (81) reacts to dropping a potential touchdown pass in the end zone during Super Bowl XIII against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XIV (Steelers 31, Rams 19): Pittsburgh Steelers receiver John Stallworth (82) catches a 73-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at the Rose Bowl.
(Darryl Norenberg, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XV (Raiders 27, Eagles 10): Oakland Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) looks to throw against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl XV at the Superdome.
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Super Bowl XVI (49ers 26, Bengals 21): San Francisco 49ers defensive back Ronnie Lott (42) celebrates a goal line stand against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XVI at the Silverdome.

(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.

(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.

(Manny Rubio, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XIX (49ers 38, Dolphins 16): San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig carries the ball past Miami Dolphins linebacker Jay Brophy (53) in Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium.
(Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XX (Bears 46, Patriots 10): Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) hits New England Patriots quarterback Tony Eason (11) during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome.
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XXI (Giants 39, Broncos 20): New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) carries the ball against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXI at the Rose Bowl.
(Bob Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.

(Manny Rubio, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XXIII (49ers 20, Bengals 16): Over 11 plays, the San Francisco 49ers drove 92 yards to secure a narrow victory. Pictured above is wide receiver and game MVP Jerry Rice.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.

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Super Bowl XXV (Giants 20, Bills 19): New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) carries the ball against the Buffalo in Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium.
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Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.

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Super Bowl XXVII (Cowboys 52, Bills 17): Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin (88) celebrates in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl.
(Manny Rubio, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XXVIII (Cowboys 30, Bills 13): Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith (22) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVIII at the Georgia Dome.
(James D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XXIX (49ers 49, Chargers 26): San Francisco 49ers running back Ricky Watters (32) carries the ball against San Diego Chargers safety Stanley Richard (24) during Super Bowl XXIX at Joe Robbie Stadium.
(RVR Photos, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XXX (Cowboys 27, Steelers 17): Dallas Cowboys cornerback Larry Brown (24) runs with the ball after an interception at Sun Devil Stadium. Brown had two interceptions and was named game MVP as the Cowboys won their third Super Bowl in four seasons.
(The Arizona Republic)

Super Bowl XXXI (Packers 35, Patriots 21): Green Bay Packers return specialist Desmond Howard eludes the grasp of the New England Patriots on his way to a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXI at the Superdome.
(Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK)

Super Bowl XXXII (Broncos 31, Packers 24): Terrell Davis of the Denver Broncos in action during Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Davis scored three TDs and was named MVP.
(JEFF HAYNES, AFP via Getty Images)

Super Bowl XXXIII (Broncos 34, Falcons 19): Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) attempts to avoid Atlanta Falcons linebacker Cornelius Bennett at Dolphin Stadium.
(RVR Photos, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XXXIV (Rams 23, Titans 16): Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson tries to stretch across the goal line on the final play of the game. He is stopped by Rams linebacker Mike Jones.
(Eric Parsons, The Tennessean)

Super Bowl XXXV (Ravens 34, Giants 7): Baltimore Ravens defensive end Rob Bunett (90) celebrates after sacking New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Ravens registered four sacks and four interceptions in the dominant defensive performance.
(PETER MUHLY, AFP via Getty Images)

Super Bowl XXXVI (Patriots 20, Rams 17): New England Patriots players Rod Rutledge (83), Ken Walter (13) and Adam Vinatieri (4) celebrate Vinatieri's game-winning field goal against the St. Louis Rams to win Super Bowl XXXVI at the Louisiana Superdome.
(Glenn Osmundson, Providence Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK)

Super Bowl XXXVII (Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21): Tampa Bay's Dwight Smith races into the end zone ahead of pursuing Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon on a 44-yard interception runback for a touchdown.
(JACK GRUBER, USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Super Bowl XXXVIII (Patriots 32, Panthers 29): Game MVP Tom Brady throws a pass as he is pressured by Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers (90) at Reliant Stadium.
(MPS-US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XXXIX (Patriots 24, Eagles 21): Wide receiver Deion Branch catches a pass in front of the Philadelphia Eagles' Sheldon Brown (24)during the second quarter at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Branch had 11 catches for 133 yards and was named the game's MVP.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)

Super Bowl XL (Steelers 21, Seahawks 10): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward jumps in the air and scores after catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El.

(Allen Kee/Getty Images/NFL)

Super Bowl XLI (Indianapolis Colts 29, Bears 17): Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders (21) intercepts a ball intended for Chicago Bears receiver Bernard Berrian (80) during the second half at Dolphins Stadium.
(Jason Parkhurst, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XLII (Giants 17, Patriots 14): New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree hauls in a catch against his helmet to sustain the game-winning drive.
(John David Mercer, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XLIII (Steelers 27, Cardinals 23): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes catches the winning touchdown pass in front of Arizona Cardinals safety Aaron Francisco late in the fourth quarter.
(Matt Cashore, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XLIV (Saints 31, Colts 17): New Orleans Saints cornerback Tracy Porter (22) celebrates as he returns an interception for a touchdown as Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning looks on from the ground during the fourth quarter at Sun Life Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XLV (Packers 31, Steelers 25): Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall (34) fumbles after being hit by Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) during the second half of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XLVI (Giants 21, Patriots 17): New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a catch along the sideline in front of New England Patriots free safety Sterling Moore (29) and free safety Patrick Chung (25) during the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium.
(Kirby Lee, US PRESSWIRE)

Super Bowl XLVII (Ravens 34, 49ers 31): Baltimore Ravens return specialist Jacoby Jones (12) returns a kickoff for a Super Bowl record 108 yards against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XLVIII (Seahawks 43, Broncos 8): Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium.
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl XLIX (Patriots 28, Seahawks 24): Patriots CB Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seahawks WR Ricardo Lockette at the goal line to secure New England's fourth title in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl 50 (Broncos 24, Panthers 10): Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) forces a fumble as he hits Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.

(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl 52 (Eagles 41, Patriots 33): Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) catches a touchdown pass against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).

(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.

(Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.

(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.

(Michael Chow, The Republic)

Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.

(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports)

Super Bowl 59 (Eagles 40, Chiefs 22): Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a touchdown catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025.
(Geoff Burke, Imagn Images)

Super Bowl 60 (Seahawks 29, Patriots 13): Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills sacks Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Seahawks defense sacked Maye six times in a 29-13 victory.

(Kyle Terada, Imagn Images)

The CliffsNotes version of his NFL journey, if you're somehow unfamiliar with it at this point: Darnold, a USC product, was the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 draft by the New York Jets , who gave up on him after three seasons – after they provided him little help on the field or a supportive infrastructure away from it – starting a stretch where he played for five teams in six seasons … but blossomed over the past two years for the Minnesota Vikings and Seahawks, who signed him to replace jettisoned QB1 Geno Smith .

Got it?

"What he's done is special," said Kupp, the Super Bowl MVP four years ago, when he was with the Rams. "Find me another player – another quarterback specifically – who's had the start of a career like he has, to be counted out like he has, and then be able to come back and do what he's done the last couple years. I mean, the mental fortitude to overcome all these people that said, 'You can't do it anymore,' – that's a very difficult thing to do."

Darnold has left a fascinating NFL trail.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 21: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Lumen Field on September 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Jets GM Joe Douglas traded the quarterback, whom he didn't draft, to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. Douglas was eventually fired. Panthers GM Scott Fitterer, who acquired Darnold, didn't re-sign him after his rookie contract expired following the 2022 season. Fitterer was eventually fired. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who signed Darnold prior to the 2024 season and watched him lead Minnesota to a 14-3 record, didn't even bother to use the franchise tag on him last spring and at least give the Vikes some options. Adofo-Mensah was fired Jan. 30 .

What did they all miss?

Darnold was certainly consistently inconsistent on the field with the Jets and Panthers, though neither of those teams had much in the way of assets around him, whether players or top-tier coaches.

"I've always believed in myself, and I've always had confidence in myself to do my job. And I learned," Darnold said this week, "I learned a ton from the mistakes that I made early on in my career, and I feel like that kind of mindset has gotten me to this point."

And despite the early ups and downs in terms of his performance, ask anyone, and the image of a very consistent person takes shape.

"He's the same person every single day, and that's awesome," Seahawks safety Ty Okada told USA TODAY Sports. "You want that out of your leader, your quarterback. Nothing phases him. He's just a great all-around person, teammate, leader in the locker room."

And though Okada has only been Darnold's teammate for one season, the quarterback's personal pattern extends back for years.

Leonard Williams , who's flourished as a Pro Bowl defensive lineman since coming to Seattle in 2023, was also a first-round pick of the Jets – three years before Darnold. They also briefly overlapped at USC.

"Even then, I remember him just being a great guy, great teammate, a great leader, a professional. I've seen that only progress over time," Williams told USA TODAY Sports. "Now that he's here, he's just the ultimate teammate, the ultimate leader – just so proud to have him on my team. I'm definitely proud of him because I've seen that in him always.

"Anyone will make testaments to his character."

Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and Darnold were USC teammates for three seasons before both were drafted in 2018, Nwosu in the second round by the Los Angeles Chargers .

"Sam's the same guy he is now that he was then – always looking to the positive, always looking to get better, always looking to the future," Nwosu told USA TODAY Sports. "That's one thing I respect about Sam a lot."

Nwosu also characterized Darnold as "hard-nosed" and "all about ball" but also as a "jokester." (He's typically found time to rib reporters and teammates during his news conferences in recent weeks.) Nwosu is grateful they reunited in the Pacific Northwest after each struggled early in their NFL careers.

"Seattle gave us new life," he said.

However Darnold's rebirth may have truly begun in 2023, the lone season he spent as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers .

"It was a great experience for me and something that was, I think, crucial to me just growing as a player," Darnold said of his year with the Niners.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan gave him a fresh education on offensive schemes but also new strategies for attacking defenses and coverages. Darnold got to know assistant Klint Kubiak, now his offensive coordinator and a key advocate for bringing him to Seattle. And there was even a Super Bowl dry run that season as he watched QB1 Brock Purdy handle the media maelstrom and game preparations ahead of what would be an overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 at Las Vegas .

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks off the field at the end of the first half of his team's Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.

(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)

Confetti falls as Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce walks off the field after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs, 38-35, during Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on Feb 12, 2023.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow reacts after losing Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Feb 13, 2022.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce walks off the field after losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on Feb 7, 2021.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and safety Tarvarius Moore (33) walk off the field after losing Super Bowl LIV to the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on Feb 2, 2020.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts during his team's 13-3 loss in Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Feb 3, 2019.
(Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts on the field during his team's 41-33 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on Feb 4, 2018.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan leaves the field after being defeated by the New England Patriots 34-28 in overtime in Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium on Feb 5, 2017.
(Eric Seals, USA TODAY Sports)

Confetti falls as Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks off the field after his team lost 24-10 against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on Feb 7, 2016.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and wide receiver Chris Matthews (13) react on the sidelines at the end of a 28-24 loss against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on Feb 1, 2015.
(Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports)

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning walks off the field following a 43-8 loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on Feb 2, 2014.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

San Francisco 49ers guard Alex Boone (75) reacts after losing Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Feb 3, 2013.
(Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY Sports)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts during his team's 21-17 loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb 5, 2012.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning reacts during his team's 31-17 loss in Super Bowl XLIV against the New Orleans Saints at Sun Life Stadium on Feb 7, 2010.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)

New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau walks off the field as confetti is released after losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium on Feb 3, 2008.
(Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

St. Louis Rams receiver Isaac Bruce (80) reacts after losing to the New England Patriots, 20-17, in Super Bowl XXXVI at the Louisiana Superdome on Feb 3, 2002.
(US PRESSWIRE)

Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George sits dejectedly as confetti rains down from the Georgia Dome rafters as the St. Louis Rams celebrate their 23-16 victory in Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2000.
(Eric Parsons, The Tennessean)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Chris Chandler reacts on the field during his team's 34-19 loss against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII at Dolphin Stadium on Jan 31, 1999.
(RVR Photos, USA TODAY Sports)

New England Patriots head coach Bill Parcells reacts on the sideline during his team's 35-21 loss against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI at the Superdome on Jan 26, 1997.
(US PRESSWIRE)

Denver Broncos linebacker Simon Fletcher (73) reacts on the bench during his team's 55-10 loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIV at the Superdome on Jan 28, 1990.
(Darr Beiser, USA TODAY Sports)

Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway reacts during his team's 42-10 loss against the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium on Jan 31, 1988.
(Bob Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith reacts after he drops a pass in the end zone during the third quarter of his team's 35-31 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIII at the Orange Bowl on Jan 21, 1979.
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)

Washington Redskins quarterback Billy Kilmer reacts during his team's 14-7 loss in Super Bowl VII to the Miami Dolphins at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Jan 14, 1973.
(Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports)

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Bob Lilly (74) throws his helmet as the Baltimore Colts celebrate after kick Jim O'Brien made the game-winning field goal in Super Bowl V at the Orange Bowl on Jan 17, 1971.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)

Baltimore Colts quarterback Earl Morrall reacts during his team's 16-7 loss against the New York Jets in Super Bowl III at the Orange Bowl on Jan 12, 1969.
(Darryl Norenberg, US PRESSWIRE)

"I try to do the best that I can in whatever role that is throughout my career," said Darnold, who always strove to help Purdy while giving his San Francisco teammates good looks in practice. Ironically, he might get crowned on the 49ers' home field at Levi's Stadium.

"I've just always done whatever I could to help the team – and not only help the team, but help my teammates, help my family, all my friends in any way that I possibly could," Darnold continued. "Just try to be a good person – I think at the end of the day, like that's all we can all do every single day, and that's what I aspire to do every day."

It's an approach Darnold says was instilled by his parents, whom he calls his idols. His father, Mike, a plumber, would wake up at 2 or 3 a.m. every morning before going to work in order to be home in time to play with Sam and his sister, a volleyball player, and attend their practices and games.

"I'm very internally motivated," Darnold said this week, feeling his one-day-at-a-time approach has served him well through the ups and downs of the NFL. "I know that I'm gonna push myself harder than any external force could ever push me. That goes back to (whom) my parents raised me to be.

"I don't think this would be possible without the bumps that I went through early on in my career."

And now? Darnold sure looks like a lot like the quarterback the Jets hoped they were getting. Hardly a weak link, he passed for five touchdowns and more than 600 yards in what proved to be two season-defining wins over the Rams, including in the NFC championship game , following that Week 11 flop in LA.

"He really saved us," said Williams, noting that a team vaunted for its defense surrendered 64 points to the Rams in Seattle's two late-season defeats of them.

Darnold's 122.4 passer rating is far and away the league's best in this postseason. Doesn't sound like a guy the Patriots should expect will implode.

"Sam's just been so resilient," said Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. "He's so steadfast in his approach. I think he's confident in who he is. I think he understands how much his team believes in him and has his back. Just keeping firing away, man. Keep being you. Go to the next play. He's the same guy after he has a perfect passer rating, and he's not strutting around like he just solved all the world's problems compared to a game where maybe we didn't execute as well – so that's what you appreciate about him.

"He's just real, that's who he is."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sam Darnold's Super Bowl path paved with smiles – and fired GMs

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Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away

See Super Bowl sadness when the Lombardi Trophy slipped away