Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold celebrated a significant milestone on February 11, 2024, leading his team to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. This win not only added to Darnold’s career achievements but also allowed him to reflect on the broader perspective he has gained through his journey in professional football.
Darnold’s mindset was notably influenced by Scottie Scheffler, a renowned golfer who went viral last summer for expressing that success on the course is not the most important aspect of life. Scheffler emphasized his desire to be a great father over being a great golfer. Darnold took these sentiments to heart as he navigated the ups and downs of his football career.
In an interview with NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Darnold remarked, “You know, this game is amazing and it’s brought me a lot, but there’s more.” He acknowledged that having a broader perspective helps him manage the pressures of the sport. Darnold credited his family, particularly his parents, for instilling confidence in him during challenging times, especially after the New York Jets traded him just three seasons after selecting him as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The quarterback faced significant hurdles throughout his career, including being released by the Carolina Panthers after two seasons and being allowed to leave the Minnesota Vikings earlier this year despite guiding them to a strong 14-3 record. Darnold reflected on his growth, saying, “I think I’ve really just grown because I’ve made those mistakes.” He pointed to specific games, like the Seattle Seahawks‘ loss to the Los Angeles Rams last November, as learning experiences.
Darnold emphasized the importance of his personal life in maintaining perspective. “Having a great family, a great fiancée, Katie, knowing that she’s always going to be at home waiting for me, those are the special things when you’re going through a hard time,” he shared. This approach helped Darnold remain grounded, whether during the highs of victory or the lows of defeat.
Despite the Super Bowl win, Darnold acknowledged that he did not meet all his personal expectations during the game. He completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown, stating, “We’re Super Bowl champs, and people are still going to find something to say that I didn’t do tonight.” He recognized his limitations in the game but appreciated the support from his defense, which played a crucial role in the victory.
“I’m very, very hard on myself that way,” Darnold continued. “But at the same time, there is nothing that anyone can say that I don’t already know about myself.” He expressed confidence in his abilities, asserting, “I know it’s not true. I’m a heck of a player, and I’ve known that for a long time.” The Super Bowl triumph, he noted, was made even more special because of the strong bonds formed within the team and the coaching staff.
As Darnold embraces this pivotal moment in his career, he remains focused not only on football but also on the life lessons that extend beyond the field. The reflections on family, personal growth, and the influence of figures like Scottie Scheffler serve as reminders that the journey is just as important as the destination.
