Samuel Richard Darnold is a professional American football player who as of 2024 is playing as a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. Darnold was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft by the New York Jets with the third pick overall. In his debut season, Darnold started 13 games and finished with 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions for 2,865 yards. Darnold finished the 2019 season with 3,024 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in addition to having 33 receptions for 62 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. In 2021, Darnold was dealt to the Carolina Panthers in return for a sixth-round selection in 2021 and second and fourth-round picks in 2022. In his two seasons with the Panthers, Darnold scored 16 touchdowns in all. Darnold signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 and following that, Darnold signed a one-year contract to play with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2024.
Darnold played collegiate football at the University of Southern California. Despite redshirting his freshman year at USC, Darnold won the Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year award in 2016. In January 2017, he was also given the Archie Griffin Award. Darnold was a serious candidate for the 2017 Heisman Trophy after his performance the year before. For high school, Darnold attended San Clemente High School where he played basketball and football.
Sam Darnold Injury History
Darnold had sustained few injuries since he began playing in the NFL. In September 2024, Darnold suffered a bruised knee. Prior to this, Darnold had suffered from a couple of shoulder injuries during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Knee Bruise (2024)
Despite sustaining bruising to his knee during the match against the Houston Texans, Darnold returned to complete the game.
Pedal Ankle Sprain Grade III (2022)
During the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Darnold endured an ankle injury. He was taken off injured reserve on November 07.
Shoulder Scapula Fracture (2021)
During the game against the Patriots in Week 9 of the 2021 season, Darnold sustained a fracture to his scapula in his throwing arm. Darnold returned to play on the 25th of December that year.
Head Cranial Concussion Grade I (2021)
During the game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8's fourth quarter, Darnold suffered a grade I concussion.
Shoulder A/C Joint Sprain (2020)
During the game against the Broncos in October 2020, Darnold sustained a sprained shoulder. He was out for two games. On 1st November 2020, In the defeat to Kansas City, Darnold had another injury to his shoulder making him miss two games.
Cervical Throat Mononucleosis (2019)
Prior to the Week 2 match against the Browns, Darnold missed practices due to a mononucleosis diagnosis. His illness caused him to miss three games.
Pedal Foot Sprain (2018)
Darnold sustained a sprain in his right foot during the 2018 season, making him miss three games.
FAQs about Sam Darnold
A. Sam Darnold is 6 feet 3 inches/1.91 meters tall.
A. Sam Darnold wears the number 14 for the Minnesota Vikings.
A. Sam Darnold attended San Clemente High School.
A. Sam Darnold was born on June 05, 1997.
