The Seattle Seahawks are set to begin the defence of their Super Bowl title with quarterback Sam Darnold optimistic about building on last season’s success. After being released by four teams over five years, Darnold found stability with the Seahawks last year, culminating in a victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl held in San Francisco in February.
The Seahawks will face the Patriots again as the NFL opens its new season, with the rematch scheduled for late Sunday night. Darnold, 29, expressed enthusiasm for the season ahead despite acknowledging the challenges of defending the championship. “We’ve got our work cut out for us but it’s exciting to have football back and we’re ready to go,” he said.
Earlier this year, during a Super Bowl ring ceremony in June, Darnold made headlines for a brief moment of mishap when his ring slipped from its box and fell onto the floor. Each ring, featuring more than a dozen sapphires and 50 diamonds and valued at around $30,000, required a quick recovery. Darnold explained the incident as the result of the ring already being dislodged when he opened the box, emphasizing that it was unintentional. “People have been asking me, ‘How did you drop the ring, it’s so precious’. I just opened the box and it fell out and I couldn’t grab it,” he said.
Reflecting on the defensive effort needed to retain the championship, Darnold stressed the importance of continuous improvement amid high expectations. “Our identity is never going to be set in stone, we’re always evolving, but we have things that are non-negotiable – how we play, the standards that we uphold,” he noted. He also highlighted the team's focus on maintaining a grounded approach and fostering resilience. “I feel we have a short-term memory in terms of what we have done in the past. It’s about what we can do today to get ourselves ready for this game.”
For Darnold, who spent much of his career moving between teams, the Seahawks represent an opportunity for personal and professional growth. He acknowledged the challenge of pushing beyond comfort zones during the off-season: “It’s the first time in a few years that I have stayed in one place, so how can I push myself a bit more and challenge myself?” He described his approach as a return to fundamentals and a commitment to continuous learning and development. “That’s the biggest thing as a player and as a human – you seek comfort sometimes but it’s about being able to challenge yourself which allows you to continue to grow.”
As the Seahawks prepare to defend their title in a league where opponents are eager to unseat them, Darnold’s outlook combines cautious optimism with a readiness to meet the rigorous demands ahead.