NFL Comeback Player of the Year Finalist: Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings

In the NFL, every season brings new stories of redemption, resilience, and rebirth. For many players, injuries or setbacks threaten to end their careers prematurely, but a select few manage to rise above adversity and achieve new heights. Sam Darnold, once thought to be a cautionary tale for what could happen when expectations and performance don’t align, has now become one of the most compelling stories of the 2024 NFL season. As a finalist for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, Darnold’s journey from high draft pick to journeyman quarterback and now potential star in Minnesota is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in his abilities.

After years of struggling with inconsistency and ultimately being labeled a “bust” by many in the media and fanbases alike, Darnold has found new life with the Minnesota Vikings, and this season, he’s proving that his journey is far from over. But what exactly makes Darnold’s comeback so noteworthy? And how did he manage to overcome the odds to put himself in the conversation for one of the league’s most prestigious individual honors?

A Tumultuous Start to His NFL Career

When Sam Darnold was selected third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, he was heralded as the potential savior of a franchise that had been stuck in a rut for years. His combination of size, arm strength, and maturity were supposed to make him the ideal quarterback to lead the Jets out of mediocrity. But despite flashes of brilliance in his early years, Darnold’s tenure with the Jets never materialized into the success many expected.

His time in New York was marked by inconsistency, poor decision-making, and struggles with turnovers. In 2019, Darnold’s play was so erratic that it earned him the nickname “Sam Darnold’s Ghost” after a widely publicized moment when he claimed to be seeing ghosts during a game against the New England Patriots. While this comment became an unfortunate metaphor for his struggles, it was also an indication of the mental hurdles he had to overcome. Darnold was playing behind a porous offensive line, and the Jets were unable to provide him with sufficient weapons on offense, exacerbating his difficulties.

In 2021, the Jets made the decision to part ways with Darnold, trading him to the Carolina Panthers in the hopes of a fresh start. In Carolina, however, Darnold’s performance remained uneven, with flashes of the talent that made him a highly sought-after prospect but continued issues with turnovers, injuries, and a lack of consistency. By 2022, Darnold was relegated to a backup role, and his once-promising career seemed to be teetering on the brink of irrelevance.

Entering the Minnesota Vikings’ Fold

The Minnesota Vikings took a calculated risk by signing Sam Darnold to a one-year deal in 2023, bringing him in as a backup to Kirk Cousins. The move was largely seen as an opportunity for Darnold to reset and compete for a spot on the roster, but few anticipated the dramatic impact he would eventually have on the team.

In 2024, Darnold’s career took a pivotal turn. After Cousins, who had been the Vikings’ reliable starter for several seasons, struggled with inconsistency and injuries, Darnold was given the chance to start and compete for the starting role. And that’s when things truly began to change for the former USC product.

From the start, Darnold appeared more confident and focused than ever before. His understanding of the game and his ability to make quick decisions with the football seemed to improve dramatically, suggesting that he had learned from his tumultuous years in New York and Carolina. With Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and a solid offensive line in Minnesota, Darnold finally had the supporting cast he needed to thrive.

The Resurgence: Darnold’s Performance in 2024

The Vikings’ decision to turn to Darnold as their starting quarterback in 2024 paid off immediately. Under his leadership, the Vikings’ offense became more explosive, and Darnold’s statistics began to reflect the promise he had shown in his early years.

By the midway point of the 2024 season, Darnold had posted career highs in passing yards, completion percentage, and touchdown-to-interception ratio. His ability to read defenses and make precise throws, particularly on deep routes, allowed him to thrive in the Vikings’ high-powered offense. His connection with Justin Jefferson quickly became one of the most dynamic duos in the league, with Jefferson benefiting from Darnold’s ability to deliver the ball with pinpoint accuracy on the move.

Darnold’s turnover rate also improved significantly. After years of struggles with interceptions and fumbles, he had minimized his mistakes, making fewer critical errors. This newfound maturity and poise on the field became a defining characteristic of his play in 2024.

But it wasn’t just his individual stats that made Darnold’s comeback so impressive; it was the way he elevated his team. The Vikings, who had been a fringe playoff team in previous years, found themselves surging to the top of the NFC North standings, with Darnold leading the charge. His confidence and leadership in the huddle were clear, and his ability to come through in clutch situations — including several fourth-quarter comebacks — helped solidify his place as one of the most notable players of the 2024 season.

Darnold’s Mental and Emotional Growth

Beyond his physical performance on the field, perhaps the most significant factor in Darnold’s resurgence has been his growth as a person. In interviews throughout the season, Darnold has spoken openly about the mental and emotional challenges he faced during his years in New York and Carolina. He discussed how his early struggles with turnovers and consistency affected his confidence and how he had to reframe his mindset in order to succeed.

“I had to learn that it’s okay to fail, but it’s more important to learn from it and keep pushing forward,” Darnold said in a post-game interview in the middle of the 2024 season. “I’m in a much better place now mentally, and that’s allowing me to perform better physically.”

His ability to reframe his failures as learning opportunities and his openness about his mental health has not only made him a more relatable figure but also contributed to his success on the field. The Vikings’ coaches and teammates have praised Darnold for his leadership and his ability to stay composed, even in high-pressure moments.

The NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award

Given his transformation from a struggling quarterback to a key figure in the Vikings’ success, Sam Darnold‘s candidacy for NFL Comeback Player of the Year is well-deserved. The award typically goes to players who have overcome significant obstacles, whether through injury or performance issues, and Darnold’s journey fits that criteria perfectly.

Darnold’s resurgence has been one of the most compelling storylines of the 2024 NFL season. After being written off by many, he has proved that he is still capable of being a high-level quarterback in the NFL. His ability to rise from the depths of disappointment and failure to lead the Vikings back into playoff contention is a testament to his resilience and determination.

If Darnold wins the award, it would be a symbol of both personal and professional redemption. His story would serve as inspiration for many athletes who face challenges throughout their careers, showing them that it’s possible to overcome adversity and prove the doubters wrong.

What’s Next for Darnold?

As the 2024 season continues and the Vikings’ playoff hopes remain alive, Sam Darnold’s future appears brighter than ever. Whether or not he wins the Comeback Player of the Year award, his success this season has earned him the opportunity to continue as the Vikings’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.

There are also whispers that other teams around the league — who may be in need of a quarterback in the coming years — will take notice of Darnold’s resurgence. While the Vikings are still focused on the immediate future, there’s a possibility that Darnold’s stock will continue to rise, and if he can maintain this level of play, his next contract could reflect the newfound trust and faith in his abilities.

Moreover, with the Minnesota Vikings potentially on the cusp of competing for a Super Bowl, Darnold’s leadership and experience could be invaluable as the team prepares for a deep postseason run. The journey of Sam Darnold has only just begun, and his story will continue to be one of the most fascinating narratives in the NFL.

A Story of Redemption and Resilience

Sam Darnold’s candidacy for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the willingness to keep pushing forward despite the odds. From his struggles in New York and Carolina to his rebirth as the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold has defied expectations and proven that he can still be an elite quarterback in the NFL.

In many ways, Darnold’s story is one of the most compelling in recent memory. His career may have started with adversity, but it’s ending on an inspiring note. As he leads the Vikings toward a potential playoff berth, he has cemented himself as one of the league’s best comeback stories — and no matter the outcome of the Comeback Player of the Year award, his journey will continue to inspire fans and players alike.