The NFL is continuing to roll out its list of Top Players of 2025 and Sam Darnold ranks No. 72 and is on the list for the first time in his career.
Darnold was named to the list for his breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, a career-best 102.5 passer rating and helped lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record. He was also named to his first Pro Bowl.
Head coach Mike Macdonald said, "… The thing you love about Sam is he is just a dude, man. He's like one of the guys. There's a sense that he's one of the guys, so he's right there with them in all the things, but that's him. There is some (stuff) to him. Don't mess with him. He's got that edge to him, that competitiveness, and the guys respect that. But he's him. He's not trying to be anybody else, and you have to respect that about him."
In March, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "I think what I'm most proud of with where Sam is at in his quarterback journey now is I think he is as close to where he belongs, as far as people view him in this league. At the same time, I think he's got enough experience now that he can really play the position that "above the neck" mentality and make the other 10 guys in the huddle better. There's a lot of really good things Sam's going to bring to the Seahawks."
Darnold joins Leonard Williams as another Seahawk make the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025.