SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The ghosts are gone. Sam Darnold, the man once written off as a draft bust and a journeyman backup, is now a Super Bowl champion. In a defensive masterclass at Levi’s Stadium, Darnold piloted the Seattle Seahawks to a commanding 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, completing one of the most improbable career turnarounds in NFL history.
The Shanahan Effect: Architect of the Revival
While the confetti falls on Seattle, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon believes the seeds of this victory were planted two years ago in San Francisco. Before Darnold revitalized the Vikings in 2024 or took command of the Seahawks this season, he spent a quiet year backing up Brock Purdy with the 49ers.
Moon, appearing on the Up & Adams podcast, pinpointed that 2023 season as the turning point. “I really credit Kyle Shanahan a lot for his [Sam Darnold] confidence coming back,” Moon said. “As he went to San Francisco, he was a backup, he didn’t have a lot of pressure on him, and learned from one of the best offensive minds in the game.”
That “redshirt” year allowed Darnold to reset. He stopped forcing plays and started processing defenses. The results speak for themselves: Darnold finished the 2025 regular season with 25 touchdowns, a 99.1 passer rating, and a 67.7% completion rate. Against New England’s ferocious defense in the Super Bowl, he was efficient and poised, throwing for 202 yards and a critical touchdown without a single turnover.
“It’s funny how it works. I didn’t play great football the first few years of my career… I learned a ton. Learned from Brock Purdy and coach Shanahan. The fact that [Jets fans] are able to support me even through that means a lot.” — Sam Darnold, Seahawks Quarterback
A Journey Through Purgatory
Darnold’s path to the podium was anything but linear. Selected third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he was thrust into a chaotic situation. Over three seasons in New York, he threw nearly as many interceptions (39) as touchdowns (45). A trade to Carolina in 2021 yielded similar frustration, with injuries and coaching changes stalling his progress.
By the time he hit free agency in 2023, his stock had plummeted. But the one-year stint in San Francisco, followed by a 14-win explosion with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, proved he still had the arm talent that made him a top prospect. Now, he stands atop the football world, mirroring Moon’s own circuitous route from undrafted free agent to Hall of Famer.
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
This victory shifts the entire power dynamic of the NFC West. The Seahawks have found their franchise quarterback just as their defense enters its prime. For the Patriots, the loss stings, but their return to the big stage signals they are back as perennial contenders. The biggest question remaining is Darnold’s contract—after betting on himself with short-term deals, he is poised to command a market-setting extension this offseason.
