Sam Darnold became the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl after playing with five or more NFL teams. His parents have been there for every step of the way.
While Darnold’s low point followed him to his different stops, until he made it as a starter with the Vikings, and subsequently, the Seahawks, the passer made it clear that his parents were the crutch he needed to continue his NFL odyssey.
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Following the 29-13 Super Bowl win, the passer shared a heartfelt message about the belief his parents instilled in him:
‘It’s special,’ Darnold said postgame. ‘I shared a great moment with my parents and my fiancee Katie after the game, and I think that’s what kind of got me a little bit. Me and my dad don’t cry very often. I told my dad, and my mom … I’m here because of their belief in me. They believed in me throughout my entire career, and I think that’s why I was able to believe in myself almost ad nauseum.‘
He continued: ‘Some people called me crazy throughout my career for believing in myself so much, and having so much confidence. It was because of my parents, because of the way they believed in me throughout my entire career. It allowed me to go out there and play free, and have a ton of confidence.’
While Darnold didn’t have the flashiest Super Bowl stat line – 19 of 38 passing, 202 yards, one touchdown – it was enough to get the job done.
Leaning heavily on its defense, Seattle kept the Patriots at bay until the game was all but secured in the second half. Running back Kenneth Walker earned Super Bowl MVP honors, gashing the Patriots defense for 135 yards rushing..
Now, the Darnolds have a Super Bowl-winning son – and one who’s clearly thankful for them.