Josh Allen Makes His Super Bowl Allegiance Clear: All In on Sam Darnold and the Seahawks
In the lead-up to Super Bowl LX, where the Seattle Seahawks are set to clash with the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is not mincing words or hiding behind a facade of neutrality. Allen has unequivocally declared his support for close friend and fellow quarterback Sam Darnold, making it clear that his loyalty lies with the Seahawks, a stance that transcends any AFC East rivalries or grudges.
Unwavering Support Across National Platforms
Throughout the week, Allen has been consistently asked about his Super Bowl preferences on various media outlets, and his response has remained steadfast. On CBS Sports, he stated plainly, "I love Sam Darnold, that's one of my good buddies… I will be watching, I will be rooting him on." This candid admission marks a departure from the typical evasive answers many quarterbacks offer during Super Bowl week, showcasing Allen's willingness to publicly back a friend.
During an appearance on FS1's "First Things First," Allen delved deeper into the roots of his friendship with Darnold, tracing it back to their college days and the 2018 NFL Draft. "We go back to the draft. Even before the draft, we've hung out before the draft when we were in college," Allen explained. He highlighted their shared experiences, including meeting at events like the Touchdown Club of Columbus and spending offseasons together playing golf, reinforcing why Darnold holds a special place in his support system.
Praising Darnold's Resilience and Hard Work
Allen didn't just stop at expressing friendship; he made sure to underscore the arduous journey Darnold has undertaken to reach this pinnacle. Reflecting on Darnold's path, Allen pointed out how his friend has overcome the "bust" label that once plagued his career. "But to Sam's point, he's just continued to work hard," Allen said. "He's been at a few different stops. Obviously got his opportunity last year in Minnesota. They let him go, and now he's playing in the Super Bowl for the Seattle Seahawks. So he's worked extremely hard for it."
This acknowledgment of Darnold's perseverance adds depth to Allen's support, framing it not merely as a buddy pick but as a recognition of genuine effort and dedication. Allen emphasized, "I've got nothing but love and respect for Sammy D, and I'll be pulling, pulling for him hard," solidifying his stance as a franchise quarterback openly cheering for another starter in the biggest game of his career.
The AFC East Context and Allen's Focus on Friendship
While it might be tempting to view Allen's support through the lens of AFC East dynamics—where beating the Patriots has been a significant part of Buffalo's modern era—Allen deliberately steered clear of that narrative. Instead, every answer he provided this week circled back to Darnold, their friendship, shared history from the 2018 draft class, and the grind that defines their bond. Allen respects both teams involved in Super Bowl LX, but his colors are firmly nailed to the Seahawks' sideline, driven by personal connections rather than divisional rivalries.
Sam Darnold's Remarkable Journey to Super Bowl Stardom
Sam Darnold's road to Super Bowl LX has been anything but smooth. Since entering the NFL as the No. 3 pick in 2018, he has faced intense scrutiny and labels, particularly during challenging stints with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers. By the time he moved through Minnesota, many wondered if he would ever get another chance to prove himself.
However, the past two seasons have been transformative for Darnold. As highlighted in recent coverage, he has led the Seahawks to back-to-back 14-win seasons, earning him a starting role in the Super Bowl and shedding the "bust" tag in favor of "franchise quarterback on the biggest stage." Darnold himself has embraced his journey, telling Dan Patrick on "The Dan Patrick Show" that the lows in New York and Carolina were integral to his growth. "I loved every single part of it. Yeah, there were some lows that sucked. I’m not going to lie to you. That’s part of it, though. I learned so much from that, and I’m able to move on," he said.
Darnold's ability to maintain perspective amidst criticism has been key to his resurgence. He shared, "After every single game we lost or things that didn’t go well, I was able to wake up the next day and see the sun rise and go into the building and see my teammates and have fun with my coaches. That’s a part of life." This resilient mindset is what Allen admires, making his support a testament to Darnold's character and journey.
Contrast with Tom Brady's Neutral Stance
Allen's outspoken support stands in sharp contrast to the more diplomatic approach taken by legendary quarterback Tom Brady. On his "Let's Go!" podcast, Brady avoided picking sides, stating he wanted "the best team win" and simply hoped for "good football" from the Seahawks vs. Patriots matchup. He also expressed happiness at seeing the Patriots back on the Super Bowl stage, calling it "a new chapter in New England."
In contrast, Allen is not wired for such neutrality at this moment. While he respects both teams, he has made it abundantly clear that his heart is with Darnold and the Seahawks. If Seattle emerges victorious, Darnold's narrative will shift dramatically in real-time, and Allen wants to be on record as one of the believers who backed this turnaround before the confetti falls.
This Super Bowl story is not just about a game; it's about friendship, resilience, and the power of unwavering support in the face of adversity. As Allen and Darnold showcase, sometimes the most compelling narratives unfold off the field, rooted in bonds that transcend the sport itself.
