Sam Darnold, the veteran quarterback who led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl 60, will face a tax bill that exceeds his official Super Bowl payout. This financial outcome is due to California‘s tax regulations affecting players for games held in the state, including the recent championship at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
California’s Extra Tax on Visiting Athletes
Players on the winning team receive $178,000 for the Super Bowl, while those on the losing side get $103,000. However, because the game took place in California, out-of-state athletes like Darnold are subject to an additional levy known as the jock tax. This tax is based on the number of “duty days”—days spent working in California for the event—which for Darnold included at least eight days before the game, with more to likely accumulate as the new season approaches.
“an additional tax on out-of-state players based on how many ‘duty days’ they spend in the state for a game,”
Michael Nied of People explained this system, highlighting that it significantly increases the players’ tax obligations.
Estimates of Darnold’s Tax Expenses
According to estimates from Sportico and Forbes, Darnold’s tax payments related to the Super Bowl and associated activities will exceed the amount he earned from the playoff victory. Sportico projected that Darnold could pay around $249,000 in California taxes, whereas Forbes suggested a figure closer to $197,771.
“Sportico estimated that [Darnold would] end up paying approximately $249,000 in California taxes, while Forbes estimated that his total might come to around $197,771.”
This assessment underscores the steep tax impact triggered by California’s rates, especially for players like Darnold with relatively high annual salaries.
Comparative Tax Burdens on Other Players
Had the Patriots won, their quarterback Drake Maye would have faced a tax bill estimated at about $186,000, a lower figure primarily due to his smaller salary in comparison to Darnold’s. These disparities reflect how individual earnings directly influence tax liabilities even in the context of the same event.
Financial Outlook Beyond the Tax Hit
While the extra taxes affect Darnold’s finances, his earnings extend beyond Super Bowl winnings. His contract with the Seahawks includes a $2.5 million bonus for the championship win, part of his three-year, $105 million deal. Being the reigning Super Bowl-winning quarterback is also likely to open up further financial opportunities in the NFL moving forward.
