Heading into the 2025 NFL season, there was some doubt as to whether Sam Darnold could maintain the momentum built in 2024. After all, he had only been successful as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, operating in a quarterback-friendly offense coached by Kevin O’Connell. Having Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison didn’t hurt either.
Despite six dud seasons followed by one golden year, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider didn’t hesitate to offer the former No. 3 overall pick a three-year, $100.5 million contract.
Sam Darnold Upset With Super Bowl Performance
The move paid off instantly, with Darnold not only leading his team to a 14-win season for the second year in a row, but this time he capped off his season by winning the Lombardi Trophy.
Even though Darnold had the type of season that QBs of all ages (past, present, and future) dream of, he wasn’t entirely pleased with the way it ended. Seriously.
During a recent appearance on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, Darnold came clean about how he felt about the Super Bowl. Despite the win, he wasn’t exactly thrilled with his performance.
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“I didn’t play great in the Super Bowl. I missed way too many throws,” Darnold said. “We still won, our defense balled out, and I didn’t turn the ball over, which helped.
“But dude, to win the Super Bowl that way, I was kinda bummed. I want to score like 40 points, you know what I mean? I want to go out there and ball out, and it’s just, dang, I didn’t play my best football in the Super Bowl? That sucks.”
Darnold completed 19-of-38 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl LX win. He didn’t commit any turnovers, but completing just 50% of your passes isn’t the bar Darnold was aiming for.
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Considering he completed 67.7% of his passes for an average of 238.1 yards per game in 2025, Darnold isn’t wrong by saying he didn’t play his best. But it didn’t matter.
Darnold sounds like a perfectionist, or someone who understands what it takes to get the job done at the highest level. This same competitive fire is only a fraction of what helped drive him to shed the bust label once and for all. Now, he has a huge, shiny Super Bowl ring to show for it.
While it’s clear he didn’t play his best, perhaps that’s where he finds extra motivation heading into a new year. Some champions find difficulties in preparing for the next season with no Super Bowl hangover, but that likely won’t be the case with the 29-year-old Darnold.
