Sam Darnold Biography: Samuel Richard Darnold born June 5, 1997 is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans, where he won the Archie Griffin Award in 2016. Darnold was selected by the New York Jets as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Darnold served as the Jets’ starting quarterback from 2018 to 2020 before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. After two seasons with the Panthers, he joined the San Francisco 49ers for one season as a backup. In 2024, he joined the Minnesota Vikings, where he had a career resurgence, becoming the starting quarterback that year, leading the team to a playoff appearance, and earning Pro Bowl honors.
Sam Darnold Biography
Samuel Richard Darnold, known as Sam Darnold, is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 5, 1997, in Dana Point, California, Darnold has built a career marked by impressive resilience and success. His journey from a promising college athlete to a professional quarterback has been full of milestones, achievements, and personal growth.
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Sam Darnold Biography Details
Born:
June 5, 1997 (age 27)
Dana Point, California, U.S.
Samuel Richard Darnold is an American professional football quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He played college football for the USC Trojans, winning the Archie Griffin award in 2016, and was selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL draft.
Born: 5 June 1997 (age 27 years), Capistrano Beach, California, United States
Current team: Minnesota Vikings (#14 / Quarterback)
Education: University of Southern California (2015–2017), San Clemente High School (2011–2015)
Dates joined: 2024 (Minnesota Vikings) · See more
Height: 9 m
Siblings: Franki Darnold
Parents: Chris Darnold, Michael Darnold
Early Life
Darnold was born in Dana Point, California, on June 5, 1997. He attended San Clemente High School in San Clemente, California, where he initially played baseball during his freshman year before switching to football and basketball. In basketball, Darnold was highly successful, earning South Coast League Most Valuable Player honors twice and being named to the All-CIF team. His basketball coach, Marc Popovich, noted that Darnold’s basketball skills translated well to football, mentioning he was the “only guy ever had who could get a defensive rebound and launch a 70-foot pass on target, pretty much in the same motion, to a guy breaking out in the fastbreak.”
Popovich also commented that Darnold could have played college basketball in the Pac-12 or Mountain West Conference. On the football field, Darnold played wide receiver and linebacker, but when the starting quarterback was injured during a game against Tesoro High School, he stepped in as quarterback. He threw a touchdown pass and scored the game-winning two-point conversion, though he returned to his previous positions the following week.
Key Details
Full Name: Samuel Richard Darnold
Date of Birth: June 5, 1997
Place of Birth: Dana Point, California, USA
Nationality: American
Spouse or Partner: Claire Kirksey (current partner)
Children: None
Net Worth: Estimated at $30 million; income from NFL contracts and endorsements
Major Achievements: AFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 6, 2019); Archie Griffin Award (2016)
Family Background
Sam Darnold was born in Dana Point, California, on June 5, 1997, to Michael and Chris Darnold. He has one sister, Frankie Darnold. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Darnold developed a passion for athletics early on. He attended San Clemente High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. In basketball, Darnold earned the South Coast League Most Valuable Player award twice and was named to the All-CIF team. His early exposure to competitive sports laid the foundation for his future career. The support from his family and his dedication to excellence played a crucial role in shaping him as an athlete.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
After high school, Darnold went on to attend the University of Southern California (USC), where he played college football for the USC Trojans. His standout performance in his freshman year led to a starting role in his sophomore year. In 2016, he won the Archie Griffin Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top college football player.
In the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold was selected third overall by the New York Jets. He made history by becoming the youngest quarterback to start an NFL season opener at 21. Over his three seasons with the Jets (2018-2020), Darnold started all 38 games, throwing for 8,097 yards and 45 touchdowns. In 2021, Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he played 17 of 18 games, passing for 3,670 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Notable Works and Achievements
Throughout his career, Darnold has achieved several notable milestones:
AFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 6, 2019): Recognized for his outstanding performance in a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Archie Griffin Award (2016): Awarded to the nation’s top college football player during his sophomore year at USC.
Youngest NFL Opening-Day Starter: At 21, Darnold became the youngest quarterback to start an NFL season opener.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
In 2024, Darnold’s performance with the Minnesota Vikings has been a key highlight of the NFL season. His leadership has contributed significantly to the team’s strong start, and his resurgence has drawn comparisons to other quarterbacks who have revitalized their careers with new teams. Darnold’s adaptability and growth have made him a central figure for the Vikings, and his career continues to evolve as he establishes himself as one of the league’s more resilient quarterbacks.
Personal Life and Relationships
Darnold is currently in a relationship with Claire Kirksey. The couple maintains a relatively low-profile personal life, focusing on their respective careers and supporting one another.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
Basketball Achievements: Darnold was named South Coast League MVP twice in high school, demonstrating his athletic versatility. His basketball skills helped develop his competitive edge, which has translated well into his football career.
Youngest NFL Starter: Darnold made history as the youngest quarterback to start an NFL season opener at 21, a testament to his talent and readiness for the pros.
Social Media Influence: Although he keeps a low-profile personal life, Darnold has a strong social media presence and is well-loved by his followers for his authenticity.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Sam Darnold is deeply involved in charitable causes, supporting various youth and sports programs to inspire future generations of athletes. He is also an advocate for mental health awareness, a cause close to his heart. His commitment to giving back to the community has earned him respect both on and off the field. Though he has yet to win a Super Bowl, Darnold’s career is mark by significant achievements, and his future in the NFL looks promising, especially with his recent resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings.
Future Plans and Impact on Culture
Looking ahead, Darnold is focused on helping the Minnesota Vikings reach the ultimate goal—a championship. His resilience in overcoming challenges, especially after tough seasons, makes him a role model for young quarterbacks. His dedication to his craft, combined with his commitment to charitable causes, will continue to shape his legacy and influence future generations of athletes.
Sam Darnold Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Darnold’s estimated net worth is approximately $30 million, primarily generated from his NFL contracts and endorsement deals. Additionally, he has invested in real estate and other ventures, contributing to his financial growth.
