It took five teams, nearly 3,000 pass attempts and almost eight full years, butSam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, is going to be a starter in the Super Bowl. The NFL world can't get enough of his "comeback story."
NFL players – past and present – coaches and analysts rushed to congratulate theSeattle Seahawksquarterback on social media after Darnold led Seattle to an NFC title on Jan. 25. The formerNew York Jets,Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers andMinnesota Vikingsquarterback saved one of his best performances for the biggest game of his career, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
It's his first time winning the NFC championship as a starter. Darnold previously won a conference title as a backup when the 49ers went to the Super Bowl two years ago.
After a tumultuous first seven seasons in the league that included three teams intentionally moving on from him, Darnold has become the first quarterback from the impressive 2018 NFL Draft class – one that includedBaker Mayfieldand NFL MVPsJosh AllenandLamar Jackson– to win a conference title as a starter.
Here's how the NFL world reacted to Darnold's big moment:
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Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
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Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
NFL world praises Sam Darnold afterSeahawks' NFC championship win
Among the first to congratulate Darnold was former Seahawks quarterback and pending free agent Russell Wilson, who won a Lombardi Trophy with Seattle in Super Bowl 48.
Sam Darnold's comeback story over the past 2 years has been one of the most inspirational things to watch! Cool seeing him overcome!!! Congrats bro.Hope you win it! 🏆Go Hawks
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson)January 26, 2026
