Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY NETWORK
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has sent a classy message to New York Jets fans after being told that most of the fanbase still roots for him. Darnold was drafted by the Jets with the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Having now reached the pinnacle of the National Football League by winning the Super Bowl, it can be easy to forget that Sam Darnold’s career actually began with the Jets, as he played with the team from the time they drafted him in 2018 until they traded him to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
While Jets fans were unsure about the trade then, it’s only become more of a mistake in recent years as Darnold has blossomed into a franchise and Super Bowl winning QB.
Asked by a reporter to send a message to the Jets fans who are still pulling for him, Darnold delivered a classy response and expressed that he wished his time with the team was more successful.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold sent a classy message to New York Jets fans after being told that much of the fanbase still roots for him
“Thank you,” Darnold said to New York Jets fans who’ve continued to support him over the years.
“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. 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.”
I asked Sam Darnold if he had a message to #Jets fans who have continued to support him:
“Thank you.”
“I always look at myself and feel like I could’ve done a lot more for that franchise.”
“The fact that [Jets fans] are able to support me even through that means a lot.” pic.twitter.com/AtOsbghHJN
— Justin Fried (@JustinTFried) February 10, 2026
In the Seahawks’ 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX — the franchise’s second Super Bowl title — Darnold completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 and one touchdown, while also being sacked just one time. During the 2025 regular season, his first with the Seahawks, Darnold completed 67.7% of his passes for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 17 games.