Last Updated on January 29, 2026 7:26 am by admin
Super Bowl LX will be contested by the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks and the AFC champion New England Patriots. As with any Super Bowl, there are individuals involved who have incredible stories to tell. In the case of Super Bowl LX, a win for Seattle would be one of the greatest redemption arcs for a player in sports history.
Can Seattle Win Super Bowl LX?
Before we dig into the story of Sam Darnold, we must briefly discuss the chances of Seattle winning the Super Bowl. The top NFL betting guide has all the information you need for those wanting a wager on the big game but what do the experts predict will happen? The majority seem to favour Seattle with their defence being the main reason for their potential success. However, it would be impossible to win the Super Bowl without a confident quarterback.
Darnold’s Slow Start in the NFL
There is no escaping the spotlight for a quarterback in the Super Bowl and the performance can make or break a career. That will be the case for Darnold and if he wins the Super Bowl, it will be the biggest achievement of his career. Having been selected as the number 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by New York Jets, Darnold struggled to impose himself on the team. After three seasons, New York drafted a quarterback and Darnold found himself at Carolina Panthers. Nothing changed at Carolina and Darnold struggled with injuries and poor form.
In 2023, Darnold’s career was on a downward trajectory, and he signed a one-year deal with San Francisco 49ers as a backup quarterback. In 2024, Darnold signed another one-year deal but this time with Minnesota Vikings. An injury saw Darnold thrust into action and he produced career-best statistics, including touchdowns and passing yards. Nonetheless, Darnold suffered another setback as he disappointed in a defeat to Detroit Lions that cost Minnesota the number one seed and was poor in the wild card round against Los Angeles Rams.
Having become an unrestricted free agent, Darnold was offered a three-year deal with Seattle. Could he finally put one good season together and play in his first Super Bowl at the age of 28?
Superb Seattle Season
Darnold took his chance with Seattle and his performance against Washington Commanders in Week 9 was exceptional. Darnold threw four touchdown passes in the first half and recorded no incompletions. However, the real test was still to come in the NFC Championship Game against Los Angeles Rams.
Memories must have come flooding back of his performance against the Rams in the 2024 Wild Card game. There were no such issues for Darnold this time and he threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns. That will be a huge confidence boost ahead of the biggest game of his life. Having suffered an injury in his junior season at high school, which was a blow to his collegiate career in Southern California, Darnold will be the first USC quarterback to start in the Super Bowl.
Darnold’s career has been a series and highs and lows and Super Bowl LX could be the pinnacle. Should Darnold lead Settle to success, he will complete one of the greatest redemption arcs in sports history.