The Seattle Seahawks, for the first time in over a decade, are heading back to the Super Bowl. Against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game, Sam Darnold was the Seahawks’ most significant factor in their win.
In a shootout in which the Seahawks gave up 479 yards and had to keep the Rams off their backs, Darnold was efficient and effective.
In the game, Darnold completed 25 of 36 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns, while also not committing any turnovers. This past year has been a charmed one for Darnold. In March, he signed a three-year, $100 million contract with the Seahawks. In July, he became engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle, and now, in January, he punched his ticket to the Super Bowl. And the good fortune doesn’t stop there.
Cashing Out
Sam Darnold has more than just a Super Bowl trip to celebrate after beating the Rams 31-27. This season, he has cashed in big time on incentives in his contract.
Front Office Sports on Twitter wrote about Darnold and his increasingly robust bank account. For throwing for over 4,000 yards, Darnold received $500,000. He received another $500,000 for having a 67.5% completion percentage on the season, another $500,000 for having a top ten offense, $500,000 for a playoff berth, and $500,000 a piece for each of his two playoff wins. That totals $3 million so far for Darnold, with more to be made if he wins the Super Bowl.
Darnold has had quite the salary leap over the past year, going from making $10 million with the Minnesota Vikings last season to making $40 million this season with the Seahawks. Darnold is making a lot of money this season, but he’s also earned the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Teammates Love Him
While Sam Darnold has had a great season both on the field and at the bank, what he would value most is the great deal of respect that his teammates and coaches have for him. Darnold has faced consistent adversity throughout his NFL career, and even faced some this playoff run with an oblique injury, but just like everything else he’s battled through, it.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, in his postgame press conference, discussed the narratives around Darnold and how his teammates love him. Seahawks.com provided the transcript of Macdonald’s comments.
“Everyone wants to make a narrative about this guy, but he’s been the same guy since he walked in the door,” Macdonald said. “You don’t want me writing the stories because I would not write the narratives out there. This guy is the man and his teammates love him and he’s competitive as crap and he’s tough. He’s really talented and he’s a winner. That would be the story. So don’t let me write the story.”
Darnold Appreciates the Support
In his postgame press conference, Sam Darnold expressed his appreciation for his teammates’ support.
“It’s great. It’s great that I feel that support not with only their words but just with how everyone treats each other in the building,” Darnold said. “There is a lot of respect that goes around the building. Everyone respects the work we all put into this great game. I’m just happy to be a part of this team, this group and this coaching staff.” Darnold continued, “I’m really happy to be here, happy to be in this position. I’m just going to continue to do the best that I can to put this team in positions to win football games.”
In less than a year as a Seahawk, Darnold has made a grand impact, and he’s being rewarded financially, professionally, and personally for his contributions.
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