Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock and New England Patriots‘ Joshua Dobbs have spent much of this season observing standout quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Drake Maye, who are preparing to lead their teams in the upcoming Super Bowl. Their firsthand experience with these emerging leaders has sparked hope and motivation for both Lock and Dobbs, as they look toward future opportunities in the NFL. The journeys of Darnold and Maye, combined with their current roles supporting them, highlight the complexities and perseverance needed in professional football.
Paths to Leadership: Darnold and Maye’s Rise
Sam Darnold, now in his eighth NFL season, has experienced a career revival with the Seattle Seahawks after struggling to meet expectations as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. His persistence culminated this year with a noticeable leadership role and success on the field. Meanwhile, Drake Maye quickly established himself as a top performer, finishing second in MVP voting during just his second year after being selected eighth overall by the New England Patriots in 2024. Their achievements have placed them at the center of attention as they prepare to compete in the championship game on Sunday.
Lock and Dobbs Reflect on Their Roles as Backups and Learners
Both Drew Lock and Joshua Dobbs have supported these quarterbacks closely, gaining insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Lock, who has played for three NFL teams over six seasons, finds encouragement in Darnold’s career resurgence, believing it shows that perseverance can lead to later success as a starter. He explained,
“The perspective is perfect. You have to be ready for when that time comes for yourself, and do everything you can to prepare for whenever that time comes. You’re never gonna know — it’s not up to you. It’s about being ready.”
Joshua Dobbs, entering his seventh NFL season across six teams, admires Maye’s genuine leadership style and the impact he has had in transforming the Patriots’ fortunes. Dobbs shared,
“He’s himself. He’s authentic. He’s an authentic leader. He’s himself every day. He pushes the guys to get better, to see the game from his perspective. He takes himself out of his comfort zone in order to interact with different guys in the locker room.”
Backup Quarterbacks Offer Valuable Support Behind the Scenes
Despite the spotlight on Darnold and Maye, both quarterbacks acknowledge the important contributions of their backups. Darnold credits Lock for his keen insights on the game, spotting details that even the coaching staff might miss. Maye similarly values Dobbs’s support off the field and in team dynamics. For their part, Lock and Dobbs appreciate this recognition, even though their roles keep them as the No. 2 option for now.
Dobbs reflected on his approach in the quarterback room, saying,
“I try to be myself, provide input when I see something, and if I don’t, I’m never the person that has to be heard. I’ve had some unique experiences in the NFL, and it’s been cool to be able to have a great QB room and great young teammates around me that are open and willing and listening to all the older veteran presences in the locker room.”
Shared Journeys and Mutual Respect Among Seahawks’ Quarterbacks
Lock and Darnold share similar career trajectories, having both moved through multiple teams before arriving at this stage. Despite the difficulties of inconsistent roles in the past, they focus on their current success rather than regrets. Lock noted their mutual understanding of the struggles without dwelling on them:
“We don’t give each other the sob stories about the years prior. If anything, it may be about a couple football things that we’ve learned, but we both know each other’s story. We both understand that. We both have been there. I think it goes without being said. We kind of understand it.”
Looking Ahead: Ambitions Beyond Supporting Roles
While Lock and Dobbs admire Darnold and Maye’s achievements heading into the Super Bowl, both remain eager for future chances to lead teams as starting quarterbacks. Dobbs expressed confidence in his potential when given an opportunity, saying,
“I know given an opportunity to start with a team and get the reps, OTAs, minicamp, training camp and into the season, that I can go out and play some really good football and lead the team to a lot of victories as a starting quarterback.”
Their journeys illuminate the challenges and uncertainties NFL backups face, but also the hope and preparation they maintain to thrive when called upon. As Darnold and Maye prepare for this season’s biggest game, Lock and Dobbs continue to develop alongside them, readying themselves for moments when they can step into the spotlight.
