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Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings.
During the 2024 NFL season, veteran journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold had the opportunity to show that he could still lead a team as a starter under center after the news broke that Minnesota Vikings‘ first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy would miss his entire rookie season due to a knee injury.
Although many believed the Vikings’ season was over before it started because of Darnold’s struggles over the course of his career, the USC product shocked everyone by leading the team into the NFL playoffs with a 14-3 record while also earning Pro Bowl honors for the first time.
Sam Darnold Reflects on Special Time With Vikings
Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings.
Even though Darnold only spent one season with the Vikings, as he chose to sign with the Seattle Seahawks in NFL free agency, the veteran quarterback is incredibly grateful for his time with the team and everyone he worked with during the 2024 NFL season.
“I’m very grateful for the time that I spent there, all the people that I created relationships with, all the people in that locker room, all the coaches there, the people in that building,” Darnold said during a press conference this week. “But I am very excited to be here and to continue doing what we’re doing this year.”
Darnold made it clear that playing for the Vikings had a profound impact on his life, both on and off the field.
“I think I improved in a lot of facets of my life, not only on the field, off the field as well,” he said. “Just continuing to learn football from great coaches over there and being around some really good players as well.”
In Week 13, Darnold will face his former team for the first time in what is bound to be an emotional game for the veteran gunslinger.
Darnold Embracing ‘Great Challenge’ Against Vikings
GettySam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks.
Although the Seahawks are heavily favored (-11.5) in this matchup on Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle, Darnold knows he’ll have his work cut out for him against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“Obviously a really great challenge for us going up against Flo, his defense and all the different problems that he can create for an offense,” Darnold said. “Obviously a great scheme … but also really, really good players and their whole team, I know KO’s got those guys rolling over there. We’re excited about it, excited for this challenge.”
Despite being happy to see Darnold have continued success in the NFL in Seattle, Flores won’t be pulling any punches on Sunday, as he plans to go after the 28-year-old quarterback.
“I’m happy for him, but we will blitz him this week,” Flores said ahead of the Week 13 matchup against Darnold and company. “That’s for sure.”
It’ll be interesting to see how things pan out between the Vikings and Seahawks, as these are two teams seemingly headed in different directions this season, with Minnesota hoping to pull off some late-season magic and Seattle having title-contending aspirations in the NFC.
Ryan Ward is a longtime credentialed writer covering the NBA and NFL. He has over 15 years of experience in the sports industry from writing, editing, social media management and podcasting. He has covered the Lakers and Raiders for Medium Large Sports, with a previous stint at ClutchPoints. Ward is a Los Angeles native from the United Kingdom, who now resides in Colorado.
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