In one of the most surprising twists of the NFL season, Sam Darnold has eclipsed fellow 2018 draft classmates Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson by becoming the first quarterback from that famed class to reach the Super Bowl, after leading the Seattle Seahawks to a thrilling 31–27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game.
Darnold’s performance in the championship was commanding: he completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns, guiding Seattle back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 11 years. His journey has been a story of resilience — once widely labeled a draft disappointment, Darnold now stands on football’s biggest stage.
Originally selected No. 3 overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold’s early career was marred by inconsistency, leading to stops in Carolina and San Francisco before finding success with the Minnesota Vikings and ultimately the Seahawks. Along the way, his draft peers Allen (Buffalo Bills) and Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) each made names for themselves with MVP seasons and deep playoff runs, yet neither has reached the league’s championship game.
Analysts say the contrast between Darnold’s ascent and the expectations placed on his draft rivals highlights the unpredictable nature of NFL careers. The Seahawks’ balanced offensive attack — featuring standout performances from Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker III — paired with Darnold’s efficient play, proved enough to edge the Rams.
Seattle now prepares for Super Bowl LX, where they will face the New England Patriots in a matchup set for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
For Darnold, this represents the ultimate comeback — from early skeptics to Super Bowl contender — and a moment no one in the 2018 quarterback class saw coming.
