The Jets Promised Sam Darnold’s Parents They Would ‘Take Care’ of Him Before His Seahawks Career
Sam Darnold might be getting an MVP award this year, and he couldn’t have done it all without the people who raised him.
It’s been a long journey for Sam. Born and raised in Capistrano Beach, Calif., Sam excelled in sports and played for the University of Southern California before getting drafted to the New York Jets. “I promised I was going to do everything in my power to take care of Sam with protection and playmakers,” general manager Joe Douglas said. At the end of his contract, the team decided that his play wasn’t good enough for the New York team, and they traded him to the Carolina Panthers. Fast forward 6 years, and he’s heading to the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
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The QB talked about what exactly motivates him before the big day. “A lot of it stems from my family,” he said in a press conference. “The resilience. No matter what kind of day they had, they were always in the best mood.”
Who is Sam Darnold’s father, Mike?
Mike Darnold worked as a medical gas plumber for over 30 years at the UC Irvine Medical Center. Like his son, he played college football at Redlands College.
At the Lowe’s Foundation SkillsUSA National Signing Day, he reflected on how his profession helped him support his kids. “As I look back on my experience as a tradesperson, I found an extreme source of pride in providing products and services to countless hospitals and medical facilities over the years. I took pride in my dependability – being early, willing to stay late, doing whatever it took to finish the job right. This mindset made me a valuable contributor for my company and customers, which became an example to both of our children, as we witnessed in Sam’s athletic career over the years. Again, I wish you all the same success and rewards that I’ve experienced in the trades. It’s a journey well worth traveling.”
The same sentiments could be said about what Mike and Chris taught their children as parents. “Sam’s not flashy, he’s not a yeller, he’s not a trophy collector, a bragger,” he told Bleacher Report. “But I feel like we worked hard to raise our kids the right way. And it’s paid off.”
Who is Sam Darnold’s mother, Chris?
Chris Darnold is a physical education instructor. She played volleyball at Long Beach City College. Athleticism runs in the family as her father played basketball at the University of Southern California and was on the 1964 US Olympic Volleyball Team. Not to mention, he was also one of the actors who played the Marlboro Man.
Chris and Mike have always supported their kids’ affinity for the game and often put on a realistic lens. “Yes, our children have always loved playing sports. But around here, in this part of California, it too often becomes live and die,” the teacher told the Bleacher Report in August 2017. “That’s a big mistake in my opinion. It has to be fun.”
Nonetheless, his athleticism is totally unmatched. “He was so naturally gifted, it was crazy,” Chris said. “I had to stop playing catch with him when he was in the third grade, he threw so hard.”
