Sam Darnold Matches Tom Brady’s Remarkable 14-Win Milestone

Sam Darnold’s NFL career has been nothing short of remarkable.

Darnold was selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft after three outstanding years at USC. But Darnold struggled to live up to his potential in three seasons with the Jets, leading them to a combined 13-25 record before he was traded to the Carolina Panthers in April 2021.

The Dana Point, California native started just 18 games in two injury-riddled seasons in Carolina, and opted to sign with the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the 2023 season. Despite playing a backup role to Brock Purdy and making just one start, Darnold described his time with the Niners as a valuable learning experience.

Things took a turn when Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. Originally signed to compete with lottery pick J.J. McCarthy for the starting job, Darnold was named the Week 1 starter after McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury in preseason.

Darnold ran with the opportunity, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record and putting up career highs in passing yards (4,319), completions (361), touchdowns (35) and passer rating (102.5). He finished 10th in MVP voting and earned his first career Pro Bowl nod.

Darnold cashed in on his excellent season, signing a lucrative three-year, $105-million deal with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency.

The 28-year-old has lived up to his hefty price tag so far, guiding the Seahawks to a 14-3 record and winning the NFC West. Darnold continued his inspired play into the playoffs, and has led Seattle to its first Superbowl berth since the 2014 season.

Thanks to his sensational two-year run, Darnold’s name is now mentioned among the NFL’s best quarterbacks – past and present.

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With the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, Darnold became only the second quarterback in NFL history to record consecutive 14-win seasons.

The first? None other than Tom Brady.

Brady achieved the feat after leading the New England Patriots to consecutive 14-2 seasons in 2003 and 2004. Brady and the Patriots would go on to win the Superbowl in both seasons — the second and third of his seven career rings.

Darnold, however, is the only quarterback in league history to lead two different teams to 14 wins in consecutive seasons.

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