Megan Lander | Student Life Editor
October 3, 2024
In recent weeks, our beloved former Triton, Sam Darnold, has been gaining more attention with his impressive winning streak as the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. At the start of his NFL career, he was drafted by the New York Jets in 2018. At age 21, he was the NFL’s youngest opening-day starting quarterback since the American Football League and National Football League merged in 1970. His time with the Jets only lasted until 2020, due to his inconsistent playing and injuries. In 2021, he joined the Carolina Panthers but missed part of the season with a fractured scapula. In 2022, he missed several months due to a high ankle sprain, and after that season, his contract was not renewed.
He signed a one-year contract to play for the 49ers to reboot his career and was deemed the backup quarterback under the starter, Brock Purdy. He only played in one game as a 49er, losing to the LA Rams 21-20. But early this year in March, Darnold signed a 1 year, $10,000,000 contract and was named the offensive captain of the Minnesota Vikings. He had a hot start to the season as a quarterback and led to the 4 and 0 with victories against the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Huston Texans, and last weekend against the Vikings’ rival, the Green Bay Packers.
San Clemente locals are astonished and proud of the true hometown hero he’s evolved into. It is one thing to join the NFL, but another to endure the ups and downs the career may bring. Senior and football fanatic, Luke Saunter, pointed out, “that’s what happens when you play football.” The football system is rigorous and made with no promises. However, despite all odds, Darnold was able to keep his head above water and pursue his dreams while handling the criticism and pressure he was under to recover his reputation and become a star player. Agreeing with the recent news, Junior Lucas Mudge remarks, “Darnold has been a baller this year! Backup quarterback to the starting superstar. He always had it in him.” These words are more than true.
Many students at SCHS began their fascination with Darnold at Shorecliffs Middle School, where he attended because of either his portrait on the wall or having his mother as a PE substitute. And at SCHS, knowing that he became the person he is today by being a Triton, brings the football team confidence and hope that one day, if they stick to their passion and play like there’s no tomorrow, they can become a hometown hero one day too.
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