Darnold’s arc includes a difficult Jets stint that earned him a bust label, followed by a productive 2023 with the 49ers and a standout 2024 season with the Vikings. He signed with Seattle last season, and that pairing has yielded a path to the big game’s first appearance in his new role, underscoring a notable career turn.
On The Pat McAfee Show, NFL icon Joe Montana voiced strong support for Darnold, praising his perseverance and late-career resurgence. Montana noted Darnold’s recorded wins across multiple stops, emphasized the fresh opportunity in Seattle, and said he’s rooting for the former USC star as he continues to rebound.
Former Seahawks star Richard Sherman didn’t mince words about Darnold’s performance, arguing that he silenced critics by delivering a superb showing against the Rams. Sherman highlighted Darnold’s line: 25 of 36 passing, 346 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, calling it a game that erased the doubters.
Darnold himself kept the focus on the team after the game, telling FOX Sports that the moment is about the locker room and the coaches. He stressed that he takes things one day at a time and expressed gratitude for the group around him, indicating the turnaround is a collective achievement rather than a personal quest.
With a Super Bowl trophy within reach, Darnold’s journey from high expectations, to doubt, to elite-level playoff performance continues to unfold. The narrative reinforces the message that resilience and the right surroundings can unlock a quarterback’s best work, even after difficult early turns.
