Background on Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl Journey
The Seattle Seahawks won their only Super Bowl on February 2, 2014, led by head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson. They faced the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII in New Jersey. The following year, they had a chance to repeat but lost against the New England Patriots in Arizona. It took 11 long seasons for the Seahawks to return to the Super Bowl spotlight.
On February 8, in Levi’s Stadium, the Seahawks will have a symbolic opportunity for revenge against the Patriots. A victory would tie them with prestigious teams like Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins in the NFL’s historical winners’ list.
Sam Darnold: The Key Player for Seattle’s Super Bowl Aspirations
Seattle’s head coach, Mike Macdonald, praised Darnold: “He’s been a cornerstone for us all season. After throwing 346 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the NFC Championship game against the Rams, he silenced many critics. I’m genuinely happy for him; he truly deserves this.”
A Tale of Resurgence, Resilience, and Reconstruction
One striking detail about Darnold is that he became the first quarterback from the renowned 2018 Draft class to reach the Super Bowl, surpassing Josh Allen (Bills), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), and Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers).
However, his story diverges from theirs. In the NFL landscape, Darnold’s journey is characterized by resilience, resurgence, and reconstruction.
- Drafted third overall in 2018, Darnold joined the New York Jets but only lasted three seasons without playoff access, becoming known for claiming to “see ghosts” during a game against the Patriots in 2019.
- The Carolina Panthers took him for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, another failed attempt to find Cam Newton’s successor.
- In 2023, he joined the San Francisco 49ers as Brock Purdy’s backup and only began to shine in the NFL path in 2024 when he became the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback, drawing attention to be called to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
- With the Vikings, he achieved 14 wins in the 2024 season, repeating the feat with 14 wins in 2025 for the Seahawks, adding victories over the 49ers and Rams to reach the Super Bowl. The last quarterback with 28 wins in two consecutive regular seasons was Tom Brady.
- Darnold’s resurgence began in the 2023 season with the 49ers, learning from Kyle Shanahan, the entire team, Brian Griese (quarterback coach), and Klint Kubiak (current Seahawks offensive coordinator).
With the Seahawks, Darnold showcased his abilities, earning a serious spot in the MVP conversation for the season. All that remains is the Super Bowl crown.
“I’ve always believed in myself. It’s about a daily mindset, and with that, I believe I can keep being solid. I’m very excited to achieve this with this team,” Darnold said after the NFC 2025 title over the Rams.
Recognition from NFL Peers
Russell Wilson, the most recent Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Seahawks, expressed his admiration for Darnold on social media: “Your resurgence over the past two years has been one of the most inspiring things. Congratulations, brother!”
Darnold’s resurgence will face its final test when he faces the Patriots in the Super Bowl LX, seemingly neutral ground, on the upcoming Sunday. The game will take place in California, Darnold’s home state, where he honed his professional football skills at San Clemente High School and embarked on his journey to rebuild with the 49ers.
