Super Bowl 2026: Sam Darnold defies ghosts and doubters to leave Seattle Seahawks one win from Super Bowl fairy tale

"Let me say it one more time. Stop. The. Doubt," exclaimed Seattle Seahawks tight AJ Barner, who, of course, was referring to his leader Sam Darnold. 

Young, struggling, perhaps written-off quarterbacks across the NFL will have woken up on Monday morning believing more than ever in their chances of making it in this league, no matter how bleak the circumstances, no matter how many times they get knocked back.

Darnold is the quintessential reminder that timing matters, that opportunities will arise, that there is life beyond adversity and that it is never over. Five years ago he looked down and out, nursing the wounds of an ugly chapter in New York and teetering towards journeyman territory.

Come January 2026, he is preparing to play in a Super Bowl.