Who Is Sam Darnold?
Sam Darnold is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks. Born on June 5, 1997, Darnold hails from San Clemente, California, and played college football at USC (University of Southern California) where he became one of college football’s most electrifying signal callers prior to entering the NFL Draft.
Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold carried high expectations but experienced a mix of ups and downs early in his NFL tenure. Over the past several seasons, however, he has rejuvenated his career, including a breakout year with the Minnesota Vikings and now a key leadership role in Seattle’s offense.
Early Life and Background
Sam Darnold grew up in Southern California, excelling in football at San Clemente High School. His high school success led him to USC, where he became known for his strong arm, poise under pressure, and knack for making big plays — traits that made him one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft class.
At USC, Darnold’s natural talent and leadership earned him national recognition, and he quickly became a projected first-round NFL pick. His performances put him in conversations with elite future stars, eventually leading to his top-three selection by the Jets — a franchise in desperate need of a franchise quarterback.
NFL Career: Season by Season Stats
Here’s a breakdown of Sam Darnold’s career passing stats as of the end of the 2025 regular season:
New York Jets (2018–2020)
Darnold’s career began with the Jets, where he spent his first three seasons. Though he showed flashes of elite potential, his early years were marked by inconsistency, injuries, and growing pains typical of many young NFL quarterbacks.
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2018: 2,865 passing yards, 17 TDs, 15 INTs
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2019: 3,024 passing yards, 19 TDs, 13 INTs
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2020: 2,208 passing yards, 9 TDs, 11 INTs
(All stats per official NFL records)
Carolina Panthers (2021–2022)
After departing the Jets, Darnold spent the next two seasons with the Panthers. His performance improved modestly, but injuries limited his time on the field.
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2021: 2,527 passing yards, 9 TDs, 13 INTs
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2022: 1,143 passing yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs
(Based on available season logs)
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
In 2023, Darnold joined the 49ers but saw limited playing time as a backup and spot starter, managing under 300 passing yards on the season.
Minnesota Vikings (2024)
Darnold’s career took a turn in 2024 with the Vikings, where he led the team to a 14–3 record, threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. His passer rating soared over 100, marking the best season of his career to date.
Seattle Seahawks (2025)
Now the Seahawks’ starter, Darnold continued to build on his success:
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2025: 3,850 passing yards, 25 TDs, 14 INTs
(Latest available stats)
Darnold led Seattle to a 13–3 record and secured the NFC West title, showcasing efficient play with high completion totals and leadership in clutch situations.
Career Totals (Through 2025)
Across his NFL career through the 2025 season, Darnold has:
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20,233 passing yards
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123 touchdowns
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82 interceptions
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62.2% completion rate
These numbers reflect steady growth and resilience from early career adversity.
Where Is Sam Darnold From?
Sam Darnold was born and raised in San Clemente, California. Growing up near the Southern California coast, he developed his football skills early, eventually leading him to high school success and a scholarship at USC. His California roots are a key part of his identity as both a collegiate and professional athlete.
Passing Yards Today (Current Performance)
As of the latest 2025 NFL season, Darnold has logged an impressive 3,850 passing yards with the Seattle Seahawks, ranking among the top quarterbacks in the league and serving as the centerpiece of Seattle’s offensive attack.
While exact live game passing yards vary by week and matchup, his consistent performance through the season has mirrored his 2024 resurgence, indicating that he remains one of the league’s reliable passers.
Darnold’s Playing Style and Strengths
Sam Darnold’s style blends toughness, anticipation, and mobility. Here’s what defines his game:
• Pocket Presence
Darnold often navigates pressure, keeping plays alive and finding open receivers even when protection breaks down.
• Accuracy and Timing
His improved completion percentage reflects better decision-making and timing with his receivers.
• Leadership
Teammates and coaches consistently praise his leadership, especially through adversity and mid-season turnarounds.
Milestones and Career Highlights
Here are some of Darnold’s biggest NFL career achievements:
• Pro Bowl Selection (2024)
Recognized for his performance with the Vikings, Darnold earned Pro Bowl honors.
• First 4,000+ Yard Season
In 2024, he posted career highs in passing yards (4,319) and touchdowns (35).
• NFC West Champion (2025)
Darnold led Seattle to the NFC West title and home-field advantage for the playoffs.
Comparisons and Perceptions
When Darnold entered the league, many analysts labeled him a bust due to early struggles. But his perseverance and statistical growth have made him a compelling story in NFL circles — even drawing comparisons to historically resilient quarterbacks who found their stride after early setbacks. Over recent seasons, Darnold has silenced critics and proven he can succeed with the right system and supporting cast.
FAQs About Sam Darnold
1. Where was Sam Darnold born?
Sam Darnold was born in San Clemente, California where he grew up before playing college ball at USC.
2. How many passing yards does Darnold have in his career?
Through the 2025 season, Darnold has accumulated 20,233+ career passing yards in the NFL.
3. What NFL teams has Sam Darnold played for?
Darnold has played for the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks.
4. What is Darnold’s best statistical season?
His best season came in 2024 with the Vikings, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 TDs.
5. How many touchdowns has Darnold thrown?
As of 2025, Darnold has thrown 123 career touchdown passes.
6. Is Sam Darnold still in the NFL?
Yes — Darnold is currently the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks as of the 2025 season.
7. What college did Sam Darnold attend?
He attended the University of Southern California (USC) where he starred before entering the NFL.
Conclusion
Sam Darnold’s journey from a highly-touted draft pick to a resilient NFL starter is as compelling as it gets. With over 20,000 career passing yards, a Pro Bowl nod, and recent team success with the Seahawks, Darnold has firmly rewritten the narrative around his career. Whether you’re a Seahawks fan, fantasy football enthusiast, or NFL history buff, his evolving legacy is one worth watching.
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