History of Sam Darnold in Timeline
Sam Darnold is an NFL quarterback currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he became the youngest starting quarterback in the post-merger NFL at 21. After three inconsistent seasons with the Jets, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he spent two seasons. Darnold then served as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Vikings.
1989: Previous USC Freshman Passing Touchdown Record
Prior to Darnold's 2016 season, the USC record for most passing touchdowns by a freshman was held by Todd Marinovich, set in 1989.
1991: USC Rushing Yards Record for a Quarterback
Before Darnold's 230 rushing yards in 2016, the most rushing yards by a USC quarterback was 254 yards set by Reggie Perry in 1991.
1995: Rose Bowl Passing Yards Record
Danny O'Neil holds the record for most passing yards in a Rose Bowl game, throwing for 456 yards in 1995.
June 5, 1997: Sam Darnold's Birth
Sam Darnold was born on June 5, 1997.
2004: Last USC QB with Multiple Touchdowns in Eight Straight Games
In 2004, Matt Leinart was the last USC quarterback to throw for multiple touchdowns in eight consecutive games before Darnold achieved the same feat in 2016.
2015: Darnold Redshirts at USC
In 2015, Sam Darnold redshirted his freshman year at USC, serving as backup to quarterbacks Cody Kessler and Max Browne.
2016: Darnold's Breakout Season at USC
Darnold became USC's starting quarterback in 2016, leading the team to a successful run after a 1-2 start. He set a school record for most passing touchdowns by a freshman, throwing for 26.
January 4, 2017: Darnold Wins Archie Griffin Award
On January 4, 2017, Darnold was awarded the Archie Griffin Award, recognizing him as college football's most valuable player to his team throughout the season. He was the first freshman to receive this honor.
2017: Darnold's Rose Bowl Performance
Darnold led USC to victory in the 2017 Rose Bowl, setting records for passing touchdowns (5) and total yards (473). His 453 passing yards were the second most in the bowl's history.
2017: Darnold's Sophomore Season and Draft Prospect Status
Entering the 2017 season, Darnold was considered a top prospect for the 2018 NFL Draft. He led USC to the Pac-12 Conference championship, but also faced challenges with interceptions and a new receiving group.
January 3, 2018: Darnold Declares for the NFL Draft
On January 3, 2018, Darnold officially announced his decision to enter the 2018 NFL Draft.
July 30, 2018: Darnold Signs with the Jets
On July 30, 2018, Darnold signed his rookie contract with the New York Jets, a four-year deal worth $30.25 million.
September 10, 2018: Darnold's NFL Debut
Sam Darnold made his NFL debut on September 10, 2018, becoming the youngest Week 1 starting quarterback in NFL history since the AFL-NFL merger. Despite throwing an interception on his first pass, he led the Jets to a victory.
2018: Darnold and Mayfield Drafted
Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield were both drafted in 2018, marking the beginning of their NFL journeys.
2018: Darnold Drafted by the Jets
In 2018, the New York Jets drafted Sam Darnold as the third overall pick, marking the beginning of his NFL career.
2018: Darnold Enters the NFL Draft
Darnold declared for the 2018 NFL Draft, leaving USC after his redshirt sophomore season.
2019: Darnold's Second Season with the Jets
Darnold's second season with the Jets in 2019 was marked by a mix of wins and losses. He showed improvement but also faced challenges with turnovers.
2020: End of Darnold's Tenure with the Jets
In 2020, Sam Darnold's time as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets came to an end due to inconsistent performance and injuries.
April 5, 2021: Darnold Traded to Carolina
On April 5, 2021, the New York Jets traded Darnold to the Carolina Panthers, signaling a new chapter in his NFL career.
April 30, 2021: Panthers Exercise Darnold's Fifth-Year Option
The Carolina Panthers exercised the fifth-year option on Darnold's contract on April 30, 2021, securing his services for the 2022 season.
September 12, 2021: Darnold's Panthers Debut
Sam Darnold made his first start for the Carolina Panthers on September 12, 2021, against his former team, the New York Jets. He had a strong performance, throwing for 279 yards and a touchdown, and also scoring a rushing touchdown in their 19-14 win.
November 12, 2021: Darnold Placed on Injured Reserve
On November 12, 2021, Sam Darnold was placed on injured reserve due to a fractured scapula he suffered during a game against the New England Patriots. The injury sidelined him for four to six weeks.
2021: Darnold Traded to the Panthers
Sam Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021 after his stint with the New York Jets.
2021: Trey Lance Drafted
In 2021, Trey Lance was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, setting the stage for his eventual competition with Darnold for the backup quarterback position.
September 1, 2022: Darnold Placed on Injured Reserve
On September 1, 2022, Sam Darnold was placed on injured reserve due to a high ankle sprain sustained during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
2022: Darnold's Fifth-Year Option Guarantee
Darnold's fifth-year option on his contract became guaranteed in 2022.
March 16, 2023: Darnold Signs with the 49ers
On March 16, 2023, Sam Darnold signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
August 23, 2023: Darnold Named Backup Quarterback
On August 23, 2023, Sam Darnold was named the backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, ahead of Trey Lance. This move led to Lance being traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
March 13, 2024: Darnold Signs with the Vikings
Sam Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings on March 13, 2024.