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Seahawks Star Opens Up About His Darkest Days in San Francisco After Breakout 2025 Season in Seattle

The 2025 season has been a turning point for a quarterback who once faced an uncertain future in the NFL. After years of limited opportunities and instability, everything finally came together in Seattle for Sam Darnold.

Before his breakout season with the Seattle Seahawks, Darnold's time with the San Francisco 49ers was brief and largely unfulfilling. Signed in 2023 as the primary backup behind Brock Purdy, Darnold’s role with the team lacked clarity. He appeared in 10 games that season, making one start in Week 18. Despite completing 28 of 46 passes for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, Darnold’s performance was overshadowed by the team’s Super Bowl run—where, despite being part of the roster, he never saw the field in the championship game.

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“The experience was successful for the team, but personally, my career direction was unresolved,” Darnold admits. "I was part of something great, but it didn’t feel like my own.”

That all changed when Seattle took a chance on him, signing Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract and naming him their starting quarterback for the 2025 season. The results were nothing short of dramatic.

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Darnold led Seattle to a 14-3 regular-season record and secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC. He threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, while completing 67.7% of his passes. His quarterback rating skyrocketed to 99.1—the highest of his career.

In the postseason, Darnold’s transformation was undeniable. He guided the Seahawks to victories over both the Rams and his former team, the 49ers, throwing for 470 yards and four touchdowns in his first two playoff games alone.

Reflecting on his time in San Francisco, Darnold was blunt:
“In San Francisco, the 49ers never figured out how to use me. I was benched, overlooked, and blamed. But the Seahawks believed in me from day one and gave me the chance to prove every snap why I belonged. That’s the difference between a team stuck in excuses and a team that builds champions.”

Darnold’s journey is more than just a tale of frustration—it’s a testament to how belief, trust, and the right opportunity can reshape a player's career. With Seattle now one win away from a Lombardi Trophy, Darnold’s redemption story stands as one of the most compelling narratives in the NFL. Sometimes, the right team makes all the difference.

BREAKING: Patriots Fans Arrested After Violent Incident on Teen Seahawks Fan Before Super Bowl Final in San Francisco
San Francisco, California In a shocking turn of events just days before Super Bowl 60, two New England Patriots fans were arrested after an unprovoked attack on a teenage Seahawks fan in San Francisco. The assault, which occurred outside a popular fan gathering spot, has raised concerns over fan behavior leading up to the highly anticipated Super Bowl matchup between the Seahawks and Patriots. The altercation took place late on Sunday evening, as crowds of fans gathered to celebrate the upcoming game. According to eyewitness reports, the victim, a 16-year-old Seahawks fan, was wearing a team jersey and was on his way to meet friends when he was approached by the two suspects. The suspects, identified as 32-year-old Mark Donnelly and 28-year-old Peter Carlson, allegedly began verbally taunting the teenager before the situation quickly escalated into physical violence. Witnesses reported that Donnelly and Carlson, both visibly intoxicated, shoved the victim to the ground and began kicking him while making derogatory remarks about the Seahawks. The incident was caught on video by nearby fans, which quickly went viral, sparking outrage among both Seahawks and Patriots supporters. Local authorities responded swiftly to the scene, and both Donnelly and Carlson were taken into custody. They have been charged with assault, battery, and disturbing the peace. The teenager, whose identity has not been released, was treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital and has since been released. In a statement, San Francisco police chief Maria Santos condemned the actions of the two men, emphasizing that “violence has no place in sports, and we will hold those responsible accountable.” She also reassured fans that heightened security would be in place throughout the city in the days leading up to Super Bowl 60. The attack has ignited a firestorm of debate on social media, with many fans calling for stricter penalties for those who engage in fan violence. Patriots and Seahawks fans alike have expressed their disapproval of the incident, with several prominent figures in both fan bases condemning the behavior. Super Bowl 60, which is set to take place at Levi’s Stadium, remains the center of attention for millions of fans, but this violent incident has cast a dark shadow over the excitement surrounding the game. As the city prepares for the big event, both the Seahawks and Patriots organizations have made statements urging fans to show respect for one another and keep the spirit of the game positive. The situation serves as a stark reminder that, while rivalries may run deep, sports should always be about unity, not violence.