The captivating and thrilling tale of Sam Darnold continues to unfold in the exhilarating world of the National Football League. A former third overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, Darnold experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers before finding himself as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers under the tutelage of Kyle Shanahan.
Fast forward to the present day, and Darnold finds himself with the Minnesota Vikings after signing a one-year deal in free agency. Initially brought in to provide depth at the QB position, Darnold’s role shifted dramatically when Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ first-round pick in the 2024 draft, suffered a season-ending knee injury. Suddenly thrust into the starting role, Darnold has performed admirably, leading Minnesota to three consecutive wins while showcasing his skills on the field.
The buzz surrounding Darnold and his meteoric rise to success was a topic of discussion on the latest episode of the popular “Pat McAfee Show” following his stellar performance against the Houston Texans. Special guest Bill Belichick, former head coach of the New England Patriots, shared insights he had gathered from contacts within Darnold’s previous teams. According to Belichick, the consensus among those he spoke to was overwhelmingly positive, with one notable exception – the Jets.
“I’ll say this: everybody has liked Darnold except the Jets,” Belichick revealed. “The people in Carolina I talked to, they really liked him…I know that Kevin [O’Connell] and some of the coaches in Minnesota, they really like this guy, too. So it seems like the only people who didn’t like Darnold were the Jets.”
The revelation that Darnold had garnered praise from his peers in Carolina and Minnesota, despite his struggles in New York, came as a surprise to many. Drafted by the Jets with high hopes of being their franchise quarterback, Darnold’s tenure in the Big Apple was marred by disappointment and underperformance. However, with lowered expectations in his subsequent stops, Darnold has been able to showcase his talents and win over fans and critics alike.
Despite his rocky start in the NFL, it’s clear that Sam Darnold has found his groove and is earning the respect and admiration of those around him. As the young quarterback continues to impress on the field, it’s safe to say that everyone is jumping on the Darnold bandwagon. After all, what’s not to love about a player who has overcome adversity and is now shining brightly in the spotlight?