The appeal of a comeback story is undeniable. Few captivate fans quite like the narrative of redemption and resurgence. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold exemplified that this year.
After grappling with the struggles of a notoriously ineffective New York Jets offense under Adam Gase, Darnold was in a tough spot. The past few years had been challenging, leaving him at a crossroads. When he finally got a chance with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, he shone brightly enough to reach the Pro Bowl, but inconsistency led to his release before the 2025 season.
However, opportunity came knocking again. The Seahawks quickly signed him, and Darnold seized the moment, guiding Seattle to its first Super Bowl title in over a decade. This leap of faith by the Seahawks sparked discussions about the importance of not giving up on players who face adversity.
Notably, former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel weighed in, suggesting that it’s time to regard Darnold as a top-tier option among quarterbacks. On a recent episode of his podcast, Glory Daze, he stated, “You have to look at guys like Baker [Mayfield] and Sam and these individuals who have confronted significant challenges to reach this level.”
Manziel didn’t hold back. He urged listeners to reconsider their harsh critiques of quarterbacks who are thrust into difficult positions. Darnold is not an isolated case; the NFL has seen a few reclamation projects turn around their careers successfully.
Consider Seattle’s two Pro Bowl seasons with Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield’s revival in Tampa Bay, or Jared Goff’s growth with the Detroit Lions after initial struggles in Los Angeles.
“They’ve faced so much criticism from fans like you who listen to the podcast and tear them apart just because they didn’t excel right away,” Manziel said. He added,
“Hey, it’s not easy! You try standing in the pocket while being chased by elite talent like Aaron Donald. How challenging is it to read defenses on the fly and anticipate their movements while also trying to avoid getting hit?”
Manziel’s passionate defense comes from his own experiences. He once basked in glory as the Heisman Trophy winner in 2012 while playing for Texas A&M. Yet, his journey post-college was marred by self-doubt and external judgment based on his past rather than his potential.
Despite his challenges, Manziel encountered second chances in the league. Reflecting on Darnold’s achievements, he likely wishes he had maximized his opportunities with more understanding from coaches throughout his own career.
