Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold criticized the NFL's social media culture for abandoning young quarterbacks too quickly. The Seattle Seahawks signal-caller reflected on his journey from being a high draft pick to a league champion.

“I think it's just tough, right? Cuz like you get quarterbacks that get drafted really high. I think people are really, really fast to give up on them, especially in this like social media kind of culture,” Darnold said. 

The 28-year-old made an appearance on the Green Light Podcast on May 28. He discussed his career turnaround, from being the third overall pick in his draft, playing for five franchises, to winning his first-ever Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.

“It's just kind of the way it is, and they have a opinion about a young quarterback, and it just kind of goes viral, and sometimes like that gets back to a young kid or that young quarterback, that could affect them later down the line,” he said.

Darnold’s comments tie into a conversation Stephen A. Smith had on young quarterbacks. Before the draft, veteran football expert Mel Kiper Jr. stated that the “pressure” and “scrutiny” on these young prospects have detrimental effects. 

One of the names on that list was Darnold’s. In his response, Smith, the ESPN analyst, brought up the pressure franchises face in an episode of First Take.

“Why don't you point to organizations and the pressure that they put on executives to win? Look, it comes down to organizational mental toughness,” Smith opined.

Although these comments were made months ago, they reflect a much-debated topic within the NFL community. They also fall in line with Darnold’s career. Drafted by the New York Jets in 2018, he played for them until 2020. Darnold’s 2023 with the San Francisco 49ers was his worst. 

In 2023, Darnold was a backup and managed 297 passing yards in 10 games and scored just two touchdowns. That season was a reset for his career.

Sam Darnold Opens Up About His Mindset And Career Trajectory

In a conversation on the Green Light podcast, Sam Darnold revealed a conversation that helped him significantly at the low point of his career. Darnold said that a sports psychologist helped him believe that he “deserves to be here.”

“I do deserve to be here. I’ve played really good football in the league, albeit not as consistent as I would have liked, but mistakes happen…especially in this league,” Darnold told podcast host Chris Long.

Darnold had the conversation just before he joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, and its effects were evident. He played in all 17 games, passed for 4,319 yards and threw 35 touchdowns, his career-high.

The following year with the Seahawks, Darnold played the entire season, amassed 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns, and lifted the Lombardi Trophy. Darnold has had a remarkable journey, and all eyes are on him, waiting to see what this season has in store for him. 

What is your take on his opinion? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar