Super Bowl 2026: Sam Darnold sheds the "bust" label after winning a Super Bowl

Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX, giving Darnold his first Super Bowl title. The win alters how his career is likely to be remembered.

Sam Darnold is now a Super Bowl champion after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. At 28 years old and on his fifth team in eight seasons, this outcome is likely to be the most prominent chapter of his career so far. Darnold faced years of criticism early in his career after difficult stops with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, and his comeback this season included a standout NFC championship performance. The Seahawks leaned on a strong defense throughout the Super Bowl, and teammates spoke about Darnold's persistence and the role he played in the team’s season. Details: - Seattle beat New England 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. - Darnold completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards in the game and threw a 16-yard touchdown to A.J. Barner that helped put the Seahawks ahead 19-0. - He did not throw a turnover in the Super Bowl, and the Seahawks’ defense was described as a major factor in the victory. - During the season Darnold had a 346-yard, three-touchdown game in the NFC championship that helped Seattle reach the Super Bowl. - The Seahawks finished the regular season 14-3, with their three losses totaling a combined nine points. - Darnold acknowledged an emotional moment with his parents and his fiancee after the win, and several teammates praised his perseverance. Summary: The Super Bowl win gives Sam Darnold a place on the list of quarterbacks who have started and won a Super Bowl, a distinction that is likely to shape public memory of his career. Undetermined at this time.