Sam Darnold has thanked New York Jets fans for continuing to support him after he won Super Bowl 2026 with the Seattle Seahawks, saying their loyalty “means a lot” after what he described as an up-and-down start to his NFL career.
The 28-year-old quarterback spoke in Seattle on Tuesday, just two days after the Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 in the Super Bowl.
Darnold made the comments while appearing at a Raising Cane’s restaurant, where he briefly worked as part of a post-championship media tour.
His message came after Jets fans were heard cheering him during the final, despite his difficult three-year spell in New York earlier in his career.
Why are Sam Darnold’s comments to Jets fans making headlines?
Darnold’s remarks stand out because he openly admitted he feels he did not deliver enough during his time with the Jets, despite being a high-profile draft pick.
It’s not talked about out enough what an absolute sweetheart Sam Darnold is. https://t.co/4GIqqSSPDf
— Riley Kennemer (@RiKennemer) February 11, 2026
Speaking to reporters in Seattle, he said: “The biggest thing is that’s all you can ask for as a player, is to feel supported, especially by the team that drafted me.
I always look at myself and feel like I could have done a lot more for that franchise when I was there. The fact that they’re able to support me even through that means a lot.”
For many Jets supporters, the comments hit a nerve because Darnold’s time in New York was widely seen as a missed opportunity — but not always entirely his fault.
How did Sam Darnold’s career change after leaving the Jets?
Sam Darnold entered the NFL with massive expectations after the Jets selected him third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
However, his first three seasons in New York proved inconsistent. After that, the Jets traded him to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, where he also struggled to fully settle.
His career turnaround began after he spent the 2023 season as a backup quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, where many analysts believed he benefited from sitting behind a strong system and learning without pressure.
After that, Darnold revived his reputation with successful spells at the Minnesota Vikings and later the Seattle Seahawks, eventually winning the biggest prize in American football.
What were Sam Darnold’s key stats in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning season?
Darnold’s recent form has been difficult to ignore. Over the last two regular seasons, he has posted a 28-6 win-loss record, showing consistency that critics once said he lacked.
Sam Darnold’s latest season stats (2025 NFL season)
- Passing yards: 4,048
- Touchdowns: 25
- Regular season record (past two years): 28-6
- Super Bowl result: Seahawks 29-13 Patriots
These numbers helped reshape his image from a “draft disappointment” into a proven franchise quarterback.
What happened at Raising Cane’s in Seattle?
Darnold’s appearance at Raising Cane’s turned into a full-blown fan event.
The quarterback was seen sitting in a booth inside the restaurant while speaking to reporters. Outside, crowds gathered in large numbers, with videos online showing fans cheering and chanting as he left.
One clip posted on social media appeared to show police and security clearing a path to allow Darnold’s car to exit safely due to the size of the crowd.
Fans could be heard chanting: “Sea-Hawks!” The moment highlighted just how quickly Darnold has become a celebrity figure in Seattle.
Why are Jets fans still supporting Sam Darnold?
Although Darnold never won big in New York, many Jets fans have continued to defend him, arguing he lacked the right support system during his early NFL years.
In simple terms, some supporters believe the Jets gave him too much pressure and not enough stability.
A common theme among Jets fan discussions is that Darnold’s development stalled due to:
- coaching changes
- inconsistent offensive lines
- injuries and weak team depth
Even though he moved on years ago, many fans still see him as a player who “could have been great” in New York under better conditions.
It is similar to a Premier League young talent joining a struggling club, failing to shine, then later thriving after transferring to a better-run team with stronger coaching.
What did Sam Darnold do at Disneyland after the Super Bowl?
Darnold also appeared at Disneyland the day before the Raising Cane’s event.
He rode on a float down Main Street USA alongside Seahawks teammate Kenneth Walker III, who was named Super Bowl MVP.
The appearance was part of the NFL’s traditional post-Super Bowl media celebrations, in which players tour major venues and take part in promotional events.
How has Seattle embraced Sam Darnold since the Super Bowl win?
The Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory appears to have turned Darnold into a local sporting hero almost overnight.
His public appearances have drawn huge crowds, and the response online suggests his popularity has surged beyond typical “football fame.”
From a branding point of view, Darnold now fits the profile of a franchise figurehead, the kind of athlete a city rallies around.
Seattle fans have already started treating him like a club legend, despite his having only recently arrived at the Seahawks.
What does this mean for Sam Darnold’s legacy in the NFL?
Winning a Super Bowl changes how history remembers a quarterback. For years, Darnold’s name carried the label of an underperforming top draft pick. Now, he has a championship ring, strong stats, and a winning record across two seasons.
His story has shifted into a narrative of resilience: a player written off early who rebuilt his career step by step.
The Jets may not benefit directly from his success, but his comments show he still feels connected to the team that gave him his first chance.
Where does Sam Darnold go from here?
Darnold now enters the next season with massive expectations. The Seahawks will likely aim to defend their title, and Darnold’s role as leader will become even more important.
With his recent performances, he has positioned himself as more than a “comeback story”; he is now expected to stay at the top.
