Darnold Dismisses Past Criticism, Focuses on Helping Seahawks Repeat as Super Bowl Champions

Sam Darnold, now a Super Bowl champion less than half a year after claiming his first NFL title, brushed off questions about how public perception of his career has shifted during the opening week of training camp in Seattle. The quarterback, who was drafted third overall in 2018 before spending five teams across eight seasons, acknowledged years of criticism but said he maintains an unwavering self-belief regardless of external voices.

“I don’t allow myself to really pay attention to anything like that,” Darnold said Thursday. “If I do catch wind of it, I have my process on how to handle that.” He emphasized his focus remains on executing his approach correctly in the present moment rather than dwelling on past shortcomings or future expectations.

Darnold’s immediate priority involves mastering the Seahawks’ revamped offensive system under first-year coordinator Brian Fleury. The two share recent history, as Fleury spent the previous four years coaching tight ends for San Francisco, where Darnold served as backup during the 2023 season before joining Seattle.

“Whether it’s a good play or bad play, his mentality never changes out there on the field,” Darnold said of Fleury, who replaced departing coordinator Klint Kubiak, now the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach. The quarterback praised Fleury’s even-keeled demeanor and said watching him work daily as coordinator has been valuable.

Building chemistry with wide receiver Rashid Shaheed also ranks high on Darnold’s agenda. Shaheed signed a three-year, $51 million contract in March and recorded 59 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns across his previous stops last season. Both players are Southern California natives who attended Saddleback College together, and spent the offseason training to strengthen their connection.

“He’s a friendly receiver to throw to,” Darnold said, expressing optimism that their familiarity would accelerate Shaheed’s integration into Seattle’s offense. The quarterback expects increased production from his teammate as he completes his first full season with the defending champions.

The defending Super Bowl quarterbacks and his teammates will face the spotlight during HBO’s “Hard Knocks” filming this season. Darnold acknowledged the possibility of substantial camera time but indicated readiness for the exposure as he enters his ninth NFL season.

Coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold’s consistency and mental approach to every practice repetition, from script walkthroughs to game situations. “Every rep is a rep,” Macdonald said, noting that Darnold treats routine drills with the same intensity he brings to competition, a quality the coach wants instilled across the entire roster.