Sam Darnold's 2025 season, his first with the Seahawks, saw him make the Pro Bowl for the second straight year, lead a team to a 14-3 regular season record for the second straight year, and most significantly, lead his team to a Super Bowl title.
Sot it hardly comes as a surprise that Darnold made a big leap in the NFL Top 100 Player rankings, moving up to No. 21 on the list, which is voted upon by NFL players. Last year following a breakout 2024 campaign with the Vikings, Darnold made his NFL Top 100 debut at No. 72 on the list.
The Seahawks signed Darnold as a free agent last year after trading Geno Smith to the Raiders, and in his first season in Seattle, Darnold showed that his breakout season in Minnesota was anything but a fluke, leading the Seahawks to a 14-3 season that saw them win the NFC West while earning the NFC's top seed. In the playoffs, Darnold erased any lingering doubt about his ability to step up in big moments, playing turnover-free football in the playoffs, including a standout performance in the NFC championship game in which he went to-toe-to with 2025 MVP Matthew Stafford, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns.
In three postseason wins, Darnold threw for 672 yards and five touchdowns without a turnover, good for a 102.5 passer rating. He was spectacular in the one game that a big performance was needed, and in control in the other two wins when the Seahawks were able to overwhelm opponents with defense, special teams and the running game. Most notably, with Darnold leading the way, the Seahawks were the first Super Bowl champions to go through a postseason without a single turnover.
While Darnold never focused on any narratives about his career, his teammates and coaches were thrilled to see him accomplish all that he did last season and earn the recognition and praise that came with it.
"Sam doesn't care about the obstacles," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said after his team's Super Bowl win over the Patriots. "Everyone's made a narrative of this guy, they have tried to put a story and a label on who he is as a person and who he is as a quarterback. He does not care. He's been the same guy every day since he showed up, he's steadfast, he's a great teammate. His teammates love him. All he's done since he walked in the door is just be a tremendous player on our team and a tremendous leader who is the same guy every day. That's who he is, and that's how we need to talk about him moving forward."
And for all he accomplished last year, Darnold doesn't feel like he has reached his peak just yet.
"I think I can always get better," Darnold said early in training camp. "There were a lot of things for me like moving on in my progressions and working from one field to the to the other. I felt like I was throwing behind some targets, especially if I was going left to right. There were a couple throws in the Super Bowl that I'd like to have back, and then not only during the Super Bowl, but before that as well, where I just missed some guys going through my progressions. So, I think just being calm with my feet and making sure my feet don't get super wide. A lot of guys like to keep their base wide, but my base has always been wide, and sometimes I get too wide. So, just making sure that I keep my base with the hip width apart, is going to make me a little bit more accurate. Just working on little things like that and always working on the deep ball every offseason as well
"There's always going to be (room to improve). This game is so tough, so difficult, and there's so much that goes on for us as quarterbacks mentally. I think making sure when we get to the game that everything physically is just muscle memory, and that's why you work so hard in the offseason so that you're not thinking about those things when you get out there on Sunday."
Earlier this summer, linebacker Ernest Jones IV was named to the Top 100 list, checking in at No. 97.
Check out the top photos of Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in his first season in Seattle.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) vs. the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Super Bowl LX parade.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Super Bowl LX parade.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Super Bowl LX parade.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) at the Super Bowl LX parade.
