Since the New York Jets drafted Sam Darnold third overall in 2018, he has made a name for himself in the NFL. Even now as the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, his stature in the league keeps growing. His parents, Mike and Chris Darnold, have greatly influenced his journey to becoming a professional football player. Their relaxed approach to parenting and focus on letting Sam explore different sports has helped shape him into the athlete he is today.
Growing up in a family that valued sports, Sam benefited from the supportive environment his parents created. Mike Darnold, who played offensive lineman for the University of Redlands, believed in the importance of hard work but did not pressure Sam to be perfect.
He said, “Sam’s not flashy, he’s not a yeller, he’s not a trophy collector or a bragger. But I feel like we worked hard to raise our kids the right way. And it’s paid off.” This hands-off approach allowed Sam to try different sports like basketball and volleyball before discovering that football was his true passion.
Chris Darnold, an athlete who played volleyball at Long Beach City College, shares this perspective. She believes in keeping sports enjoyable rather than stressful. She noted, “But around here, in this part of California, it too often becomes live and die. That’s a big mistake, in my opinion. It has to be fun.” Together, Mike and Chris created an atmosphere where sports were about growth and enjoyment, not just competition.
The Impact Of Sam Darnold’s Athletic Background And Family Support On His NFL Journey
Athleticism runs deep in the Darnold family. Sam’s grandfather, Dick Hammer, played basketball at USC and was part of the U.S. Olympic men’s volleyball team in 1964. This rich sports legacy has certainly influenced Sam Darnold, who excelled in high school at San Clemente, playing both football and basketball before choosing to focus on football at USC. During his college career, he received several honors, including being named the 2016 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and being a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy in 2017.
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Mike and Chris have not only given Sam a strong foundation but also continue to be his biggest fans. Mike expressed his pride when Sam was drafted, saying, “One day you open your eyes, and it’s, ‘Holy cow, your son is in this position. I mean, it’s crazy, right? Crazy, crazy, crazy—one in a million.’” Their support shines through in Sam’s social media posts. For example, in 2021, he shared a touching Father’s Day tribute with a photo of him and his dad, writing, “The best dad a kid could ask for. Happy Father’s Day, pops!!”
Sam Darnold has played for several teams, including the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. The Vikings are currently among the top contenders for Super Bowl LIX. In the 2024-2025 NFL season, Darnold has played seven games, completing 127 of 189 passes for a 67.2% completion rate. He has thrown for 1,610 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt, with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions, with a passer rating of 107.2. He has faced 21 sacks, gained 106 rushing yards, and has fumbled five times, losing two.
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