Seahawks’ Sam Darnold Reflects on Jets and Panthers Shortcomings

Sam Darnold is on the brink of making his Super Bowl debut with the Seattle Seahawks, set to face the New England Patriots. This moment marks a significant turnaround in his NFL career, which has seen challenges with the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers. With the upheaval of his early years now behind him, Darnold’s recent experiences with the 49ers and Vikings have paved the way for this opportunity.

Reflecting on the Past

As Darnold prepares for the championship game, he reflects on his previous struggles in the league. During a recent appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” he acknowledged his time with the Jets and Panthers as crucial elements of his journey.

Darnold stated, “I think just being able to handle it at this point in my career… it is part of the journey and it is part of who I am.” He emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes to avoid repeating them. Darnold has transformed his perspective, recognizing that challenges have shaped him into a better player.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Darnold’s journey has not been without obstacles. His tenure with the Jets resulted in a challenging record of 13-25 over three seasons. Injuries and inconsistent performance defined that period, leading to his trade to the Panthers. Unfortunately, his two seasons in Carolina did not yield the desired results, further complicating his career path.

• Jets Years: 3 seasons, 13 wins, 25 losses
• Panthers Years: 2 seasons, continued struggles
• Recent Success: 28 wins, 6 losses over the past two seasons
• 2026 Regular Season: 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns

Learning and Moving Forward

Darnold reflects positively on his experiences, stating, “The days in New York, the days in Carolina – those were part of my journey, and I loved every single part of it.” He acknowledges that while some moments were challenging, they provided valuable lessons. His resilience is evident as he emphasizes the importance of embracing each day. Darnold appreciates the camaraderie with his teammates, recognizing that the NFL is a transient experience.

As he approaches the Super Bowl, Darnold’s journey serves as a testament to perseverance and growth. His ability to learn from the past while looking forward to future successes defines him as a player ready to embrace this pivotal moment in his career.