Sam Darnold
Getty
Sam Darnold revealed an emotional moment after winning the Super Bowl.
Everyone has been quick to throw stones at the Minnesota Vikings regarding their handling of Sam Darnold.
This comes in major part after Darnold hoisted the Lombardi with the Seattle Seahawks. It didn’t help their image that J.J. McCarthy was downright bad in a lot of spots in 2025.
Now, all eyes are on the Vikings and their decision at QB this offseason. Will they run it back with McCarthy? Are they going to bring in a veteran like Kyler Murray or reunite with Kirk Cousins? Time will tell, and head coach Kevin O’Connell will make the decision.
Former Vikings QB Sam Darnold recently opened up about his feelings towards McCarthy and the organization.
Vikings, J.J. McCarthy Receive Blunt Words from Sam Darnold
Justin Jefferson, JJ McCarthy, Vikings
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 21: Justin Jefferson #18 and J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate after McCarthy ran the ball in for a touchdown in the second quarter during the NFL 2025 game between Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Sam Darnold recently appeared in an interview with Colin Cowherd on his production, The Herd. Cowherd was blunt, asking if there was a “tinge” of feeling of lack of belief from the Vikings toward Darnold.
“Obviously, I believe in myself and I understand my abilities. Their thought process of going with the younger kid. Maybe that allowed them to not sign me and bring some veteran guys in.
They didn’t want me back. That was a little bit of a tough pill to swallow. But when I really stood back and looked at it from afar, I really understood the decision. I really did, and I’m thankful I landed in Seattle.”
It’s hard to say what would’ve happened if Minnesota did re-up on Darnold’s contract. It’s not as cut-and-dry as assuming that the Vikings would’ve won it all had he stayed. However, it’s safe to say their 2025 season would’ve gone a lot better.
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Opens Up About Relationship with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
Minnesota Vikings, Kevin O'Connell
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 04: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
O’Connell was asked about his relationship with the former Vikings GM by the media. He had some choice words, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert onX.