Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp commended Sam Darnold’s perseverance and mental strength in reaching the 2026 Super Bowl, emphasizing the quarterback’s resilience through adversity. Kupp reflected on Darnold’s journey during a recent “New Heights” podcast episode, spotlighting the challenges he overcame across multiple teams to arrive at this pivotal moment.
“And for Sam Donald to do what he did going through this time with the Jets, with Carolina, all the scarring that happens, that’s like, man, everything is put on you,” Kupp said on Wednesday (Timestamp: 40:16), via the “New Heights” podcast. “That’s saying you aren’t this anymore, like you’re not that guy.
“It’s not talked about enough how special and how difficult that is for quarterbacks to do. It is not an easy thing. And he’s gone against common belief about quarterbacks and how it works. So it’s just special.”
Sam Darnold’s Early Career Challenges
Darnold’s ascent to the Super Bowl contrasts sharply with his early NFL years. Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he endured a difficult start, compiling a 13-25 record and a passer rating below 80 over three seasons. After struggling to find consistent success, his time with the Jets ended amid high expectations and critical scrutiny.
Following his stint in New York, Darnold faced further challenges with the Carolina Panthers and served primarily as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers. Despite these setbacks, his career trajectory took a positive turn upon joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, where he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, revitalizing his reputation.
Darnold’s Impact with the Seahawks in 2026
Continuing his upward momentum, Darnold led the Seahawks to a victory in the NFC championship game, delivering an impressive performance with 346 passing yards and three touchdowns. Over the 2026 regular season, he completed 323 of 477 attempts, amassing 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, finishing with a 99.1 passer rating that positioned him among the league’s top quarterbacks.
Expert Predictions Favor Seahawks and Darnold in Super Bowl
ESPN’s latest Super Bowl forecast heavily favors the Seahawks over the New England Patriots, with 48 out of 58 analysts selecting Seattle as the likely winner. Sam Darnold emerged as the favorite for Super Bowl MVP, earning 22 votes, while 19 experts chose teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, resulting in over 70% support for a Seahawks player to claim the award.
Despite ongoing questions about his capability in high-pressure moments, many specialists expect Darnold to excel on the largest stage and complete one of the most unexpected comebacks in NFL history.
Significance of Darnold’s Journey and What Lies Ahead
Sam Darnold’s ascent from a struggling young quarterback criticized for uneven performances to a Super Bowl contender underscores the importance of resilience and perseverance in professional sports. His ability to overcome early career doubts and secure a leading role with the Seahawks demonstrates the unpredictable nature of NFL careers.
The upcoming Super Bowl will be a defining moment for Darnold, potentially cementing his legacy as a player who defied expectations. Meanwhile, Cooper Kupp’s praise highlights the respect Darnold has earned within the league. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Darnold’s remarkable rise culminates in a championship victory for Seattle.
