Sam Darnold guided the Seattle Seahawks to their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, making him the first quarterback from the loaded 2018 draft class to win a championship. Darnold’s performance capped off an intense season, spotlighting his resilience through numerous team changes and personal challenges.
Robert Griffin III Challenges Fellow Quarterbacks After the Win
In the wake of Darnold’s success, former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III took a pointed jab at some of his NFL peers who have yet to secure a Super Bowl title. Griffin highlighted that Darnold won the championship before several notable quarterbacks, including Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Jared Goff, Dak Prescott, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy, and Joe Burrow.
“Sam Darnold won a Super Bowl before Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert Jared Goff, Dak Prescott, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy and Joe Burrow,” Griffin tweeted.
The tweet sparked numerous reactions from fans, some defending Griffin, while others criticized him for his remarks.
“U forgot to add yourself to that list buddy,” a fan said.
“And before you since you’re naming everybody else 🙂,” one fan commented.
“Won one before RG3 as well,” another fan said.
Additional messages on social media challenged Griffin’s legacy and achievements in the league.
“Don’t forget the biggest bust there is RG3 as well,” a fan wrote.
“But what did you do? What super bowls, playoff or wildcard wins do you have? You forget you played? We do!” one fan tweeted.
“Don’t forget to add RGIII to that list,” another fan wrote.
Griffin’s Career Stats and Playoff Record Reviewed
Robert Griffin III was the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Over a nine-year career, he appeared in 56 games and started 42. Griffin amassed 9,271 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, along with 1,809 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Although he earned the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year title and a Pro Bowl selection in 2012, he never recorded a postseason victory.
Darnold Reflects on Emotional Super Bowl Win and Career Journey
In the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots, Sam Darnold completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. His emotional celebration included tears shared with his parents and fiancée, highlighting how meaningful the accomplishment was considering the trials he faced throughout his career.
“I think that’s what got me a little bit,” Darnold said. “Me and my dad don’t cry very often.. The reason I’m here is because of my journey. Because of the ups and downs, especially the downs I went through early on in my career. I learned so much about myself, about football. It’s funny how it works.”
Darnold, selected third overall in 2018 by the New York Jets, has moved through five NFL teams in eight years. His breakthrough came in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he posted a 14-3 record but was allowed to enter free agency. This season, he matched that record with Seattle before leading them to this landmark victory.
Implications of Darnold’s Success Amidst NFL Quarterback Drama
Darnold’s Super Bowl win amid fierce debate involving quarterbacks such as Dak Prescott and others from his draft class intensifies discussions around NFL quarterback performances and legacies. Griffin’s remarks and the passionate fan responses demonstrate tensions surrounding NFL successes and failures. With the Seahawks’ victory shaking up perceptions, these controversies are likely to extend into future seasons.
As the Seahawks prepare for the 2024-25 NFL season, Darnold’s championship adds renewed pressure and attention to his role, while actors like Prescott face ongoing scrutiny amid the evolving NFL landscape.
And before you since you’re naming everybody else 🙂.
— 👑 (@ScorpiFro) February 9, 2026
Won one before RG3 as well.
— Chris (@ChrisSalts) February 9, 2026
Don’t forget the biggest bust there is RG3 as well
— cash24s (@cash24s1) February 9, 2026
But what did you do? What super bowls, playoff or wildcard wins do you have? You forget you played? We do!
— First Name Last Name (@g4l_jordan) February 9, 2026
Don’t forget to add RGIII to that list
— 4thQtrWorthy (@4thQtrGaming) February 9, 2026
