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Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, witnessed a remarkable culmination of perseverance and redemption on Sunday as the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. The victory wasn’t just a team triumph; it marked a stunning career resurgence for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who also secured a $1 million contract bonus in the process.
Darnold, now 28, completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown in the Super Bowl victory. While the statistics don’t tell the whole story, the win triggered a significant financial reward. According to Spotrac, Darnold had already earned $3 million in contract incentives this season based on passing production and playoff wins, and the Super Bowl triumph added another $1 million to his total.
The journey to this point has been anything but conventional for the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Initially selected by the New York Jets, Darnold struggled to live up to expectations during his time in New York. A trade to the Carolina Panthers followed, where he spent two seasons before becoming a backup for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. It was with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 that Darnold finally began to showcase the potential that once made him a highly touted prospect, though inconsistency plagued their playoff run, ending in a Wild Card defeat against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Seahawks took a gamble on Darnold in March 2025, signing him to a three-year, $100.5 million contract. The investment has proven to be a masterstroke. Darnold’s 2025 regular season was a career year, completing a personal-best 67.7 percent of his passes for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns, despite throwing 14 interceptions. He continued his strong play into the postseason, demonstrating efficiency with 470 passing yards and four touchdowns over his first three playoff games, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt and completing 69.8 percent of his throws.
“It’s unbelievable. Just everything that’s happened in my career,” Darnold said after the game, as reported by ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “But to do it with this team, I wouldn’t want it any other way.” He was quick to credit his teammates, adding, “I can’t say enough about our defense and special teams.”
The Super Bowl LX victory represents a remarkable turnaround for a player once labeled as a “bust” by many observers. The narrative surrounding Darnold had seemingly solidified – a talented quarterback unable to overcome early setbacks and organizational dysfunction. His success in Seattle challenges that perception, offering a compelling example of perseverance and the importance of a supportive environment.
The Seahawks’ triumph over the Patriots wasn’t solely reliant on Darnold’s performance. The Seattle defense and special teams played a crucial role in securing the 29-13 victory. However, Darnold’s ability to lead the team to the championship, and to capitalize on the opportunities presented to him, is undeniable. The $4 million in incentives earned this season – $3 million prior to the Super Bowl and $1 million for the win – is a testament to his contributions.
This Super Bowl win marks the fourth time in franchise history the Seahawks have reached the pinnacle of the NFL, and the first since their Super Bowl XLVIII victory in 2014 when Russell Wilson led the team. For Darnold, it’s a first, and a moment he clearly savored. His journey from the pressures of being a highly-drafted quarterback in New York to a Super Bowl champion with Seattle is a story that resonates beyond the field, a reminder that second acts are indeed possible in the unpredictable world of professional football.
The Seahawks’ victory concludes a season of compelling storylines and unexpected outcomes. While the Patriots’ loss marks a franchise record for Super Bowl defeats, the focus now shifts to the offseason and the preparations for the 2026-27 season. For Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks, however, the celebration continues, fueled by a Super Bowl championship and a well-deserved financial reward.
