Sam Darnold Cleared for Super Bowl Showdown, Ready to Rewrite NFL Narrative
For years, quarterback Sam Darnold carried the weight of being labeled a bust across multiple NFL franchises. On Sunday night, that narrative stands on the brink of a dramatic reversal as he leads the Seattle Seahawks into Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots. The game, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, represents the culmination of Darnold's resilient journey.
Injury Concerns Vanish as Darnold Practices Fully
Earlier in the week, Darnold appeared on the Seahawks' injury report with an oblique issue, sparking speculation about his availability for the championship contest. However, by the end of Super Bowl week, those doubts were decisively put to rest. Darnold practiced fully throughout the week and did not receive a game designation, a clear signal that he faces no limitations heading into kickoff.
The Seahawks organization treated Darnold as their unquestioned starter, ensuring he took his normal practice reps and remained central to the game plan. There was no indication from the coaching staff that his workload would be managed or altered in any way. With no late-week setbacks and full participation logged, Darnold enters Super Bowl LX expected to play without restrictions, a crucial development for Seattle's first Super Bowl appearance in a decade.
A Season of Redemption Defines Seattle's Super Bowl Run
Darnold's presence in the Super Bowl marks one of the sharpest narrative turns in recent NFL history. After stints with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings, he has delivered the finest football of his career in Seattle. During the 2025 regular season, Darnold threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, completing an impressive 67.7% of his passes while adding 95 rushing yards.
Perhaps more significant than the statistics has been Darnold's mental transformation. His calm response to adversity became a defining trait, exemplified by a four-interception loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11 that did not spiral into a season-ending collapse. Darnold openly acknowledged this shift earlier in the season, stating, "I think just learning how to flush bad plays, flush bad games. Early in my career, I was really hard on myself. I would let it kind of affect my attitude."
Coaching Trust and Aggressive Mindset Fuel Success
Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak placed his trust in Darnold's evolved mindset, consistently leaning on the quarterback's aggression and short memory even after mistakes. Kubiak noted, "He’s got a short memory, but he’s aggressive. If he makes a mistake, he can go out and gun it the next play." This approach proved instrumental as the Seahawks rallied from deficits, survived tight finishes, and ultimately dismantled the Rams in the NFC Championship Game.
In that pivotal victory, Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions, showcasing the poise and precision that have defined Seattle's playoff run. As he prepares to take the field on Sunday night, Sam Darnold stands not just one game away from a Super Bowl championship, but from permanently rewriting his entire NFL story.
