Sam Darnold’s stunning journey from being labeled a bust to leading the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl 60 has shocked the NFL world. The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is set to become the first quarterback from his loaded draft class to win (or at least appear in) a Super Bowl, outpacing stars like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Baker Mayfield.
The Viral Moment That Captured It All
On January 24, 2026, right after the Seahawks’ dramatic NFC Championship victory over the Los Angeles Rams, NFL insider Dov Kleiman posted what quickly became one of the most talked-about reactions on social media:
“Insane: Sam Darnold will really be the first quarterback in the 2018 draft class to win a Super Bowl.
That draft includes Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen.
🤯🤯🤯”
The attached image was a classic 2018 NFL Draft graphic highlighting the first-round quarterbacks—Mayfield (No. 1), Darnold (No. 3), Allen (No. 7), Josh Rosen (No. 10), and Lamar Jackson (No. 32). Fans flooded the replies with a mix of shock, memes, and redemption arc appreciation:
- Jokes about Josh Rosen (“Who is that Josh Rosen guy? 🤣”)
- Praise for Darnold’s system fit (“being a ‘system QB’ in the right system > being a hero in the wrong one”)
- Skeptics warning not to count the ring yet (“Calm down… Sam Darnold will be eliminated this week” or “Rams beating them”)
- Nostalgic Jets shade (“Guess the Jets really nailed that pick.”)
The post exploded with thousands of views, likes, and shares, perfectly capturing the disbelief surrounding Darnold’s resurgence.
From “Seeing Ghosts” to NFC Champion Hero
Darnold’s path hasn’t been linear. Drafted by the New York Jets in 2018, he struggled in a chaotic environment, famously talking about “seeing ghosts” during a brutal primetime loss. After stints with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, many wrote him off.
Then came the Seattle Seahawks. In a near-perfect storm of fit, coaching, and opportunity, Darnold transformed. He led Seattle to the NFC West title, earned the No. 1 seed in the conference, and delivered a career-defining NFC Championship performance against the Rams:
- Threw three touchdown passes
- Outdueled Matthew Stafford in a high-scoring thriller
- Guided the Seahawks to a 31-27 win, clinched by a late “Dark Side” defense stop on fourth down
Post-game, Darnold reflected on shaking off old narratives, joking about his past while embracing the moment. Teammates and coaches have repeatedly said they’d “do anything for him,” highlighting the leadership and trust he built in Seattle.
Why This 2018 QB Class Storyline Hits So Hard
The 2018 draft is remembered as one of the deepest quarterback classes in recent memory. Five QBs went in the first round—a rare feat. Yet years later:
- Baker Mayfield → Solid starter, but no Super Bowl yet
- Josh Allen → MVP candidate, multiple deep playoff runs, still chasing a ring
- Lamar Jackson → Two-time MVP, dynamic playmaker, no Super Bowl appearance
- Josh Rosen → Became a draft bust meme, bounced around teams
- Sam Darnold → The unlikely one heading to Super Bowl 60
Darnold now faces the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 (set for Santa Clara, CA), with Seattle entering as slight favorites in early betting lines and Darnold himself an early Super Bowl MVP frontrunner.
Redemption, System Fit, and One Game Left
Darnold’s story proves timing, coaching, and opportunity matter as much as raw talent. The Seahawks gave him weapons, protection, and belief—turning a former “bust” into a quarterback playing for the Lombardi Trophy.
Whether he hoists the trophy or not, Sam Darnold has already rewritten his legacy. The kid once haunted by ghosts is now two weeks away from potentially etching his name in NFL history as the 2018 draft class’s first Super Bowl champion quarterback.
Who had Sam Darnold Super Bowl on their 2026 bingo card?