27-05-2025
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.'
