With the Jets, Sam Darnold learned how to stop trying to be what he thought a leader was supposed to be and start becoming himself, while also dealing with a healthy dose of professional adversity.
In Carolina, Darnold learned he could lead a winning team. Then in San Francisco, Darnold studied under one of the NFL's best offensive coaches, honed in on the finer details of the position and refined his game while in a backup role. Then finally, last season, Darnold showed he can lead a winning team and play at a Pro-Bowl level, helping the Vikings to a 14-3 record and a playoff berth while throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns on his way to the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.
And now, heading into his eighth season, Darnold is ready to take all he has learned over an up-and-down career and bring it to Seattle, having signed with the Seahawks as a free agent in March to become the team's new starting quarterback following a trade that sent Geno Smith to Las Vegas.
Darnold's career didn't start the way he or the Jets would have hoped after he was selected third overall in the 2018 draft, and after his three seasons in New York, Darnold didn't get another chance to be a fulltime starter until last season in Minnesota, but if not for those experiences, Darnold wouldn't be the player or the leader he is today, which is why he has zero regrets about the winding path his career has taken him on through his first seven seasons.
"I wouldn't change those experiences and that journey for anything," Darnold said. "I learned so much about myself. I learned a lot about my process and what it takes to be a really good player in this league and what it takes to be that consistent quarterback that your team can count on, not only on the field, but also off the field, day to day, and the attitude that you bring. That's the biggest thing that I learned about myself throughout that journey was, 'OK, we lost a game, but how can I just have the best attitude going into this week of practice to give our team the best chance to win?'"
That consistency and his calm demeanor are two traits that teammates and coaches have pointed to throughout the offseason and training camp when describing Seattle's new quarterback, and they were built on the experiences, both good and bad, that got him to this point in his career.
"He's very cool, calm, and collected," receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said. "He's got some juice though. He's one of the guys, so people listen when he talks. He's a leader that you'd love to have at that position."
Being calm and cool doesn't mean Darnold is stoic or can't get fired up when he needs to, as Smith-Njigba's reference to "juice" indicates.
"He's got some shit to him," Smith-Njigba said. "Happy we got him."
Figuring out when to be calm and when to show that, well, he's got some shit to him, has been just part of Darnold's growth as a leader, a process that took an important step during his rookie season thanks to veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who was in camp with the Jets in 2018 before being traded prior to the start of the season.
A self-described introvert, Darnold came into the NFL with an image of how a quarterback was supposed to lead, one that didn't always align with his personality. It was Bridgewater who told a then rookie Darnold that the best way he could lead was to be himself.
"I always thought, just watching things online, being in elementary school to high school to college, watching all these great quarterbacks behind the scenes, leading their teams and being very vocal, I always thought that's how I needed to be, every single day in the locker room, in the cafeteria," Darnold said. "And I'll never forget this, but Teddy Bridgewater—shout out to Teddy—he came up to me during my rookie preseason and was like, 'Hey, bro, just be yourself.' He's like, 'I can tell you're stressed, you're worried about the playbook and you're also worried about trying to lead guys. Don't worry about leading the dudes right now. Just get the football right and just be yourself around the guys, and guys will respect you for that.' That really changed the way that I looked at just being a leader."
After finding a more natural leadership style, the next step for Darnold was to find more consistency as a player, something that wasn't always easy on Jets teams that struggled during his first three seasons.
"Sometimes your process can get knocked off by maybe having a bad practice or a bad game just because you think you need to change things up because something went wrong; where it was like, no, the process was actually really good; things just didn't work out for you necessarily on the field," Darnold said. "And I think for me, that's where things clicked for me. And that's where I became consistent, not only in my game, but also off the field. I just had a much better understanding of myself and the process, how I went about my business week to week, day to day. And that's when I became really consistent in not only practice, but also in games."
That next step in Darnold's evolution came after he was traded to Carolina, where after struggling in 2021, he found himself in a backup role to open the 2022 season. Darnold also injured his ankle that preseason, starting the year on injured reserve, but after he returned to full health, and after Baker Mayfield was released late it the season, Darnold was back in the starting role, and led the Panthers to four wins in their final six games.
"After my first few years in the league, I was able to go to Carolina, then my second year, the Baker trade happened, and Baker ended up coming and he ended up winning the job," Darnold said. "And I actually, in the last preseason game, I got a grade three high ankle sprain and I was out for eight to 10 weeks. Within that timeframe, Baker goes to LA. And after about eight or nine weeks, I get to start and we ended up going 4-2. We ended up winning some games in Carolina, missing the playoffs by a game, I think, to Brady and the Bucs.
"I used that as momentum going into the next year into San Francisco, and learned a ton being in San Francisco with just everything that came with that: being around really good players, being around good coaches, being around Brock Purdy, Brandon Allen, just in a good room. Just the way that we prepared, I've taken with me and I took with me to Minnesota. And I felt like that really helped me prepare and to be the best quarterback that I could be in that last year with Minnesota."
And now, all of those experiences, both positive and negative, have led Seattle here, to his eighth season in the league and the first as Seattle's starting quarterback. Like every team, the Seahawks will be counting on the play of their quarterback to help determine their fates, and from everything Darnold has shown leading up to Sunday's opener, they are in good hands with Darnold leading the offense.
"His poise (stands out)," tight end AJ Barner said. "He's a really great player, great thrower of the football. Consistent. I've touched on the timing piece before, but I think he's great with his timing, you know when the ball is getting out. I think we all expect really great things from Sam. He doesn't turn the ball over either. Makes great decisions, smart decisions, checks the ball down when he needs to, checks the run plays, never messes up calls in the huddle, so very consistent. He's a pro. He's been in this league for a while, and he's going to have a really great year."
The Seahawks continued their week of practice as they get set for the season debut vs. the 49ers on Sunday.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko at practice on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (55) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (49) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Courtney Jackson (84) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) and long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Derion Kendrick (1), cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko with quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) at practice on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) and safety Julian Love (20) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Karl Scott at practice on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) and linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (49) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (49) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) and linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Courtney Jackson (84) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) and defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on September 4, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
