Sam Darnold remains in contact with Vikings, Kevin O'Connell after departure
Sam Darnold remains in contact with Vikings, Kevin O'Connell after departure
It is not unusual for teams and players to remain in contact. Sports are like any other profession; just because you leave them doesn't mean that the relationship ends.
D.J. Siddiqui spoke to Sam Darnold recently, and he discussed several topics, including his continued talks with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and his ex-Vikings teammates. The turnaround for Sam Darnold in 2024 was special, something that no other coach has done for him in his career. One would have to think a special connection came of that so a continued relationship makes sense.
Darnold spoke on the relationships saying, 'You've gained trust with everybody, and then all of a sudden you're gone, but that friendship, those relationships, they don't just go away. I've stayed in contact with quite a few teammates, former teammates in Minnesota, and stayed in touch a little bit with Kevin O'Connell. Obviously, he's got a pretty busy schedule — as do I — obviously getting ready for next year. But it's been good, just being able to stay in touch with some of those guys. . ."
Sam Darnold signed with the Seahawks and he is now ready for him to carve out a path of his own. He will have a new first-round pick in Grey Zabel to protect him, as well as Cooper Kupp to pass to. Of course, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is still there so he will have talent around him to have success.
Success is on his mind, but replicating 2024 isn't, he knows how special that was.
'The biggest thing for me is to not think about replicating a season like that. I think that it's really starting from square one, what can I do to put myself in a good position every single day to just get better? It's a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason. I'm going to continue to try to get better every single day, as are all my teammates.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
Seahawks coach sounds off on ‘crazy' Sam Darnold QB controversy after $100 million star's rough practice
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald isn't opening the door to a Sam Darnold quarterback controversy. Speaking Tuesday on Seattle Sports 710-AM, the second-year coach quelled any speculation that the team's $100 million acquisition could lose the role of QB1 before the start of the season. 'No, you guys are crazy,' Macdonald replied when asked if anything except injury would loosen Darnold's grip on the job, per ESPN. 'I respect that you've got to ask it, but it's just a crazy question. It's just not going to happen. Sam's our starting quarterback. We love him. He's doing a tremendous job.' Advertisement 5 Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald in December 2024. Getty Images 5 Sam Darnold looks to pass at Seahawks OTAs on June 2, 2025. AP Darnold, 27, signed with the Seahawks on a three-year, $100.5 million pact in March following a career year with the Vikings. Advertisement Macdonald, 37, responded to Tuesday's question after Seattle took a spin on the Darnold roller-coaster at OTAs this week, when he tossed two interceptions in a brief span. The coach made it clear no one is hitting the panic button in early June with the season opener three months away. 5 Sam Darnold (r.) chats with Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (l.) on June 2, 2025. AP 'God forbid you're the worst payer of all time because you made one bad throw or one bad decision,' he said. 'That is not what we're trying to build. We want these guys to go prepare the right way and then when they go out on the practice field, go freaking let it rip and then we'll go fix it. … We've got time. It's June 3 … They're going to get plenty of reps. We'll get those things fixed.' Advertisement Darnold is starting anew in the Pacific Northwest after earning his first Pro Bowl nod in Minnesota, where he threw 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions en route to a postseason appearance. 5 Sam Darnold and the Seahawks agreed to a three-year, $100.5 million pact in free agency. AP The NFL journeyman — whose previous stops included the Jets, Panthers and Niners — came crashing back down to earth in the playoffs, with the Vikings being routed by the Rams in the wild-card round, 27-9. Darnold tossed a touchdown and an interception, and was sacked nine times. Advertisement The Vikings are moving forward with last year's first-round pick, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed last season due to a knee injury. 5 Sam Darnold is coming off a career year with the Vikings. Bill Kostroun for New York Post Prior to Darnold's arrival, the Seahawks moved on from quarterback Geno Smith, trading the fellow ex-Jet to the Raiders in March after missing the playoffs following a 10-7 campaign. Even with the Seahawks all-in on Darnold, they do have a $37.5 million escape hatch in the event they want to get out of the union after a year. Seattle also has insurance in former backup quarterback Drew Lock, who rejoined the team in April after a stint with the Giants, and rookie Jalen Milroe, taken in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Darnold and the Seahawks host the Niners in their season opener on Sept. 7.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bulldogs Now for May 31, 2025
On the Sidelines S1E13: Talking Mariners love, Seahawks schedule, Kraken head coach search FOX 13 Digital Sports Reporter Curtis Crabtree joins the show as the guys open with recapping the Mariners hot start to a 10-game road trip including why Cal Raleigh and Bryan Woo are two of the best at their positions in all of baseball. Then, the guys breakdown the Seahawks schedule and give their win predictions as well as discuss why Vegas isn't optimistic about the Seahawks' 2025 season. Before heading out, Curtis gives an update on the Kraken's search for a head coach and the guys rank their top 5 sports nicknames with Curtis deciding the winner. Ethan and Dante then recap the Storm's 1-1 start to the season including a mixed pair of results on the road and finish by discussing Caitlin Clark's flagrant foul on Angel Reese and how much attention it has garnered. 1:02:14 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Questions remain about Etienne's role on Jaguars
On the Sidelines S1E13: Talking Mariners love, Seahawks schedule, Kraken head coach search FOX 13 Digital Sports Reporter Curtis Crabtree joins the show as the guys open with recapping the Mariners hot start to a 10-game road trip including why Cal Raleigh and Bryan Woo are two of the best at their positions in all of baseball. Then, the guys breakdown the Seahawks schedule and give their win predictions as well as discuss why Vegas isn't optimistic about the Seahawks' 2025 season. Before heading out, Curtis gives an update on the Kraken's search for a head coach and the guys rank their top 5 sports nicknames with Curtis deciding the winner. Ethan and Dante then recap the Storm's 1-1 start to the season including a mixed pair of results on the road and finish by discussing Caitlin Clark's flagrant foul on Angel Reese and how much attention it has garnered. 1:02:14 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
