Amid the buzz surrounding Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium, a misleading story circulated about Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold being the first first-round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft to reach the Super Bowl. Darnold clarified this misconception, pointing out that he had previously been part of a Super Bowl roster with the San Francisco 49ers back in February 2024, albeit as a backup to starter Brock Purdy. Although Darnold did not play during that overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he was fully involved in preparations and learned valuable insights by shadowing Purdy during that time.
Now the starting quarterback for the Seahawks, Darnold faces far greater scrutiny and expectations than during his backup role with the 49ers, but the guidance he received from Purdy could offer Seattle a strategic advantage as they prepare to face the New England Patriots on February 8.
The Unique Pressure of the Super Bowl and Maintaining Composure
The Super Bowl differs greatly from regular season and other postseason games due to unprecedented media obligations and fan attention, which can disrupt a player’s usual preparations. Quarterbacks often face intense pressure through numerous interviews, press conferences, and events that challenge their normal routines. During his prior playoff experience, Darnold found Purdy’s advice particularly helpful in managing these distractions.
“I think the biggest thing is, just trying to keep the routine the same, and that was something that I was able to ask Brock a little bit about during the process of kind of, ‘Are you feeling it? Are you a little tired?’ And he said, ‘No, I just take it one step at a time and do the whole media and all my obligations and everything I need to do, but continue to keep the routine the same.’
– Sam Darnold, Seahawks quarterback
Sleep and Recovery as Critical Factors in Game Preparation
Another important aspect Purdy emphasized was the significance of rest. As Darnold reflected on the week leading up to the Super Bowl, he stressed how prioritizing sleep helped him maintain focus despite the hectic schedule of events and obligations inherent to the big game.
“I think the biggest thing, too, is early in the week — these last couple of days — I was able to get a lot of sleep,”
he stated, recognizing the role rest plays in performance.
Implications for the Seahawks and the NFL Landscape
If Darnold performs at his best and guides the Seahawks to their second Lombardi Trophy, it may provoke mixed feelings among 49ers fans, especially considering Purdy’s subtle but important role in mentoring him. This shared experience between former teammates adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming matchup against the Patriots and highlights how lessons learned from past Super Bowl runs can influence future contenders.
Ultimately, Brock Purdy’s wisdom could serve as the catalyst that helps Seattle navigate the immense pressures of the Super Bowl environment, enabling Darnold to lead with calm and confidence.
Sam Darnold has been here before. Sort of.
He hasn’t played in a Super Bowl, but he was Brock Purdy’s backup in 2023 when the 49ers reached the big game.
Here was Darnold on what he learned that week. pic.twitter.com/GH5Ozqzdp3
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) February 4, 2026
