Sam Darnold FAQs

Who is Sam Darnold?

Answer: Sam Darnold is the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. He was selected No. 3 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern California by the New York Jets.

During his college career at USC, Darnold won the 2017 Rose Bowl.

Sam Darnold is engaged to his longtime partner, Katie Hoofnagle.

Which NFL teams has Sam Darnold played for before the Seattle Seahawks?

Answer: Sam Darnold began his NFL career with the New York Jets from 2018 to 2020, where injuries hampered his early seasons. He later played for the Carolina Panthers from 2021 to 2022 and spent the 2023 season with the San Francisco 49ers.

Darnold’s time with the Minnesota Vikings was short-lived, as the team moved forward with J.J. McCarthy, leading Darnold to become a free agent after the 2024 NFL season. After helping lead the Vikings to the playoffs, he signed a three-year deal with Seattle to replace Geno Smith.

How much does Sam Darnold make a year?

Answer: The Seattle Seahawks signed Darnold to a three-year contract reportedly worth $100.5 million, including $55 million guaranteed.

When was Sam Darnold’s first Super Bowl appearance?

Answer: Darnold made his first Super Bowl appearance after the Seahawks’ NFC Championship victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 25, 2026. He became the first quarterback from the 2018 draft class to reach the Super Bowl.

The Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots faced off in Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California. Sam Darnold won his first Super Bowl when the Seahawks defeated the Patriots, 29-13.

What injuries has Sam Darnold had during his NFL career?

Answer: Darnold’s NFL career has suffered many different injuries including foot injuries and a shoulder injury.

Most recently Sam Darnold suffered an oblique injury while throwing passes during practice in January 2026 but continued to play through the injury.

Sam Darnold - Page 20