Things may not have gone Sam Darnold’s way while he was in New York, but he’s thankful for [Jets](https://www.nj.com/jets/) fans’ support this weekend as he became a [Super Bowl](https://www.nj.com/sports/2026/02/ex-mlb-pitcher-rips-bad-bunnys-spanish-language-super-bowl-show-then-flies-to-colombia.html) winning quarterback.
During an appearance at Raising Cane’s in Seattle on Tuesday, Darnold was asked if he had a message for Jets fans who cheered him on on Sunday.
“The biggest thing is that’s all you can ask for as a player, is to feel supported, especially by the team that drafted me,” Darnold said. “I always look at myself and feel like I could have done a lot more for that franchise when I was there. The fact that they’re able to support me even through that means a lot.”
The Jets selected Darnold with the third overall pick in 2018 and failed to develop the young quarterback after drafting him. He had a rocky tenure in New York before his trade to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
In 2024, Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. That season was a career-changer and he signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle in March 2025.
This season, Darnold threw for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns.