Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold delivered a career-defining performance in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Critics had long questioned his ability to perform in big moments, but he erased those doubts with a stellar showing against the Los Angeles Rams.

Darnold completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. He outplayed Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, one of the league’s top MVP candidates, and led Seattle to a 31-27 victory.

The performance drew praise from Seahawks legends on X. Russell Wilson called it “inspirational” and congratulated Darnold, while Richard Sherman highlighted his clutch play in taking the team to the Super Bowl.

Darnold’s journey has been full of ups and downs. After struggling with the New York Jets and bouncing between teams, many thought he’d be relegated to a backup role. He revived his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 but still carried doubts about his ability to deliver in crucial games. Even the playoff win over the 49ers didn’t fully erase those concerns, as Seattle’s defense and running game had carried much of the load.

Sunday night changed the narrative. Darnold was the key catalyst for victory, proving he can lead in high-pressure moments. In two weeks, he’ll have a chance to cement his legacy as a Seahawks legend in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots.