History of Sam Darnold in Timeline

Sam Darnold is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. He was a highly touted prospect coming out of USC, where he won the Archie Griffin award in 2016. Darnold was drafted third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft. His career has been marked by both promise and inconsistency, leading him to play for multiple teams including the Jets, Carolina Panthers, and now the Seahawks.

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Full Timeline

June 5, 1997: Sam Darnold Born

On June 5, 1997, Sam Richard Darnold was born. He later became a professional football quarterback in the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

2016: Vikings' best start since 2016

In 2016, the Vikings had their best start to the season since 2016 by going 4-0.

January 4, 2017: Archie Griffin Award

On January 4, 2017, Sam Darnold was awarded the Archie Griffin Award, an honor given to college football's most valuable player, making him the first freshman to ever win the award. He was also named to the Football Writers Association of America's Freshman All-America team.

January 3, 2018: Enters NFL Draft

On January 3, 2018, Sam Darnold announced his decision to enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

July 30, 2018: Signs with New York Jets

On July 30, 2018, Sam Darnold signed a four-year, $30.25 million fully guaranteed deal with the New York Jets, including a $20 million signing bonus.

September 10, 2018: First NFL game

On September 10, 2018, Sam Darnold played his first regular season NFL game for the New York Jets against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. Despite throwing an interception on his first pass, he finished with 198 passing yards and two touchdowns in the Jets' 48-17 victory.

April 5, 2021: Traded to Carolina Panthers

On April 5, 2021, Sam Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers by the New York Jets in exchange for draft picks.

April 30, 2021: Fifth-year option exercised

On April 30, 2021, the Carolina Panthers exercised the fifth-year option on Sam Darnold's contract, guaranteeing him $18.858 million for the 2022 season.

September 12, 2021: First start for Panthers

On September 12, 2021, Sam Darnold made his first start for the Carolina Panthers against his former team, the New York Jets. He passed for 279 yards and a touchdown, adding a rushing touchdown in the Panthers' 19-14 victory.

November 12, 2021: Placed on injured reserve

On November 12, 2021, Sam Darnold was placed on injured reserve due to a fractured scapula sustained during a game against the New England Patriots.

September 1, 2022: Placed on injured reserve

On September 1, 2022, Sam Darnold was placed on injured reserve due to a high ankle sprain.

March 16, 2023: Signs with the 49ers

On March 16, 2023, Sam Darnold signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.

August 23, 2023: Named Backup Quarterback

On August 23, 2023, Sam Darnold was named the backup quarterback for the 49ers, after which Trey Lance was traded.

March 13, 2024: Signs with the Vikings

On March 13, 2024, Sam Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings and was named an offensive captain.

March 13, 2025: Darnold Signs with the Seattle Seahawks

On March 13, 2025, Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, with potential for the Seahawks to part ways after one season for $37.5 million.