History of Sam Darnold in Timeline
Sam Darnold is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings. 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 flashes of potential but also inconsistency, leading to trades to the Carolina Panthers and then the Vikings. He continues to pursue a successful NFL career.
June 5, 1997: Samuel Richard Darnold Born
On June 5, 1997, Samuel Richard Darnold was born. He would later become a professional football quarterback.
January 3, 2018: Darnold Declares for 2018 NFL Draft
On January 3, 2018, Sam Darnold announced his decision to enter the 2018 NFL Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
July 30, 2018: Darnold Signs with the Jets
On July 30, 2018, Sam Darnold signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $30.25 million deal, including a $20 million signing bonus, with the New York Jets.
September 10, 2018: Darnold's NFL Regular Season Debut
On September 10, 2018, Sam Darnold played his first regular season NFL game on Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. Despite an early interception, he finished with 198 passing yards and two touchdowns, leading the Jets to a 48-17 victory.
April 5, 2021: Darnold Traded to the Panthers
On April 5, 2021, Sam Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers by the New York Jets. The Jets received a 2021 sixth-round pick and second- and fourth-round picks in 2022 in exchange.
April 30, 2021: Panthers Exercise Darnold's Fifth-Year Option
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: Darnold's First Start for the Panthers
On September 12, 2021, Sam Darnold made his first start for the Carolina Panthers against his former team, the New York Jets. He threw for 279 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for a touchdown, leading the Panthers to a 19-14 victory.
November 12, 2021: Darnold Placed on Injured Reserve
On November 12, 2021, Sam Darnold was placed on injured reserve due to a fractured scapula sustained in a game against the New England Patriots, sidelining him for four to six weeks.
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 the preseason.
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 49ers, ahead of Trey Lance.
March 13, 2024: Darnold Signs with the Vikings
On March 13, 2024, Sam Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
