The three-year, $100.5M contract that quarterback Sam Darnold received from the Seattle Seahawks last March now looks like an absolute bargain for the club after he guided Seattle to a 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8.
While speaking with Scott Thompson of Fox News Digital during a promotional event on Tuesday, Darnold reflected on joining the Seahawks roughly 11 months ago. The new Super Bowl champion also touched upon the mindset held by those on the Seattle roster coming off this past Sunday’s result.
Sam Darnold, Seahawks ready to play again this winter
“Clearly, I made the right decision,” Darnold said about signing with Seattle. “It’s been a very special ride with this group, with my teammates and the coaching staff that we had this year. It’s funny. I feel like after the Super Bowl, even, we all wanted to play another game. Maybe not physically, but mentally, emotionally, we’re still in it, and we just love playing ball with each other. That’s all you can ask for when you sign up to play this great game.”
One can’t blame Darnold and the Seahawks for flying high following their victory in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicates. Seattle’s defense pitched a shutout for over three quarters of play, and the Seahawks held a 29-7 lead with under five minutes remaining in regulation before the Patriots scored a garbage-time touchdown to save some face.
Sam Darnold expands on advice for younger athletes, castoffs
Not long after Darnold put pen to paper on his Seahawks contract, he shared advice for younger players labeled as “busts.” The New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings discarded Darnold in different ways at different points in his career, but he continued to believe that he could eventually lead a team to a championship.
“I really think it’s about believing in yourself and taking it one day at a time,” Darnold said on Tuesday when asked what others could learn about his NFL experiences. “I think, if there’s any lesson, it’s that. Continue to be yourself in any situation and always believe in yourself.”
Part of Darnold being himself will now include adding a Super Bowl title to his career resume.