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Sam Darnold Makes History as USC's First Super Bowl QB

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sam Darnold of Seattle will start at quarterback in the Super Bowl against New England's Drake Maye.
Critics have linked Darnold's struggles to his time with the Jets.
In the NFC Championship, he completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns.
Darnold is the first USC quarterback to start a Super Bowl, after stints with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers before finding success in Seattle.

History

Historical Context

The Pittsburgh Steelers' victory in Super Bowl X on January 9, 1977, marked a pivotal moment in NFL history, showcasing quarterback Terry Bradshaw's impressive performance with 318 passing yards and four touchdowns. This win highlighted the growing influence of college quarterbacks, particularly from prestigious programs like USC, as they transitioned successfully to the NFL, setting new expectations for future players in high-stakes games.

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Story summary

Sam Darnold of Seattle will start at quarterback in the Super Bowl against New England's Drake Maye.
Critics have linked Darnold's struggles to his time with the Jets.
In the NFC Championship, he completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns.
Darnold is the first USC quarterback to start a Super Bowl, after stints with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers before finding success in Seattle.

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