Sam Darnold’s leadership with the Seattle Seahawks has been a key factor in the team reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade. Known for his steady character since entering the NFL as a first-round draft pick by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold’s journey through multiple teams shaped a resilience that has flourished in Seattle this season.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers, who grew up with Darnold in Southern California and reconnected after Darnold signed with Seattle, observed that his teammate’s core personality remained unchanged. Myers noted their recent golf meeting in San Diego as a chance to catch up and explore how Darnold’s leadership would impact their new team.
Building Team Bonds Through Personal Connection
Seahawks general manager John Schneider emphasized Darnold’s commitment to fostering unity by initiating regular “walk-arounds” during the offseason. These one-on-one conversations with teammates aim to strengthen relationships and promote harmony across the roster.
Such efforts helped players stand firmly behind Darnold, even when he faced challenges such as throwing four interceptions in a crucial midseason game. Pro Bowl linebacker Ernest Jones IV’s passionate support after that contest exemplified the locker room’s trust.
“It was not a shock when he walked into the locker room and clicked with everybody,”
Myers shared.
“That’s what makes Sam great — he’s the same person. Sam’s the same guy every day, no matter what the situation is.”
— Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks kicker
Schneider added,
“He has this self-awareness, a team awareness through self-scouting. In the offseason, he really wanted to focus on team building — building relationships and continuity.”
He further described the atmosphere created by Darnold:
“He has these walk-rounds, with guys getting to know each other. It’s the ultimate team sport. The Xs and Os aside, he really wanted to focus on 12 as One and what that means. And that’s guys playing for each other and loving each other up.”
— John Schneider, Seahawks general manager
Quarterbacks Endorse Darnold’s Relationship-Building Approach
Young quarterback Jalen Milroe echoed the praise for Darnold’s leadership methods, recognizing the importance of personal connections in team dynamics.
“I did the same thing when I was at Alabama,”
Milroe said.
“You’ve got to know your guys on the team. It takes all of us, and he understands that. He’s done a really good job of dealing with all the guys on the team, on offense and defense.”
— Jalen Milroe, quarterback
Performing Despite Turnover Challenges
Although Darnold led the league with 20 turnovers during the regular season, his postseason display has been exceptional. He completed 70% of his passes, accumulated nearly 470 passing yards, and threw four touchdowns without an interception, earning the best passer rating in the playoffs at 122.4.
Reflecting on his approach, Darnold said, “It’s just being true to who I am. I’m not trying to be anymore than that. I’ve never been much of a rah-rah guy, but if something needs to be said in front of a group, I’m not afraid to do that.
“I think it’s just understanding who I am as a person. And I think over the past eight seasons in the NFL I’ve done a better job of continuing to learn myself in that way.”
— Sam Darnold, quarterback
Comparing Leadership Styles: Darnold and Hasselbeck
Former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who led Seattle to Super Bowl XL two decades ago, recognized the difference in leadership styles between himself and Darnold. Hasselbeck described Darnold’s approach as akin to a golden retriever’s loyalty and quiet confidence, contrasting with his more extroverted “otter” style of leadership.
“He just kind of seems like a golden retriever, where I’m probably more like an otter,”
Hasselbeck explained. “With a golden retriever, you just need like one or two best friends, and you’re comfortable staying by them, having these intimate, deep conversations.
“I’m a little bit more like, ‘Yo! Fire pit at my house tonight and everybody’s invited.’ Whoever shows up, shows up. And I’m going to kind of know all of you a little bit. And that’s going to be our normal deal. Who wants to play pick-up hoops? Who wants to play horse? Shaun Alexander and myself, we were the otters. And there were some beavers, there were lions — it takes all types.”
— Matt Hasselbeck, former Seahawks quarterback
Darnold’s Performance in Key Playoff Games
Although Darnold’s yardage was limited and he avoided turnovers in the NFC Divisional Round against the 49ers, Hasselbeck highlighted the quarterback’s aggressive yet controlled approach in the NFC Championship Game against a tough Rams defense.
“In the 49ers game, he didn’t throw for 200 yards and didn’t turn the ball over,”
Hasselbeck noted. “But then he played in the NFC Championship Game, and that wasn’t the assignment. The assignment in that game is we’re going up against the MVP (Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford), with two amazing wide receivers and a tight end that’s a problem. We need you to cut it loose, but we still need you not to turn the ball over.
“We need you to run, and if you get a 1-on-1 with No. 22 (Rashid Shaheed), take it. Anytime JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) has a 1-on-1, take it. That’s the mindset. And he answered. It was like, just play free.”
— Matt Hasselbeck, former Seahawks quarterback
Unified Support Behind Darnold’s Unique Leadership
Though his style differs from previous Seahawks leaders, Darnold has earned strong support and respect throughout the locker room. Hasselbeck noted that multiple forms of leadership can be effective in rallying a team.
“I don’t think one leadership style is necessarily better than the other,”
Hasselbeck said.
“But I think what I’ve seen from Sam, he doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low. He seems really genuine. And you can tell that the locker room really respects him and loves him.”
— Matt Hasselbeck, former Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold’s consistent authenticity and focus on team unity have been crucial in rallying the Seahawks as they prepare to compete in the Super Bowl, demonstrating how leadership rooted in genuine connection can fuel championship success.
