Quick Answer: Samuel Richard Darnold is an American professional football quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He played college football for the USC Trojans, becoming the first freshman to win the Archie Griffin Award. Darnold was selected third overall in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft by the New York Jets, where he spent his first three seasons. After injuries and inconsistent play, Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers, alternating as a starter and backup for two seasons, and spent one season as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers. Darnold had a breakout year in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings when he led them to the playoffs and earned Pro Bowl honors. He joined the Seahawks the following season, leading them to their conference's top seed and a victory in Super Bowl LX while earning a second Pro Bowl selection.