Sam Darnold is an American professional football quarterback who was selected by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played college football for the USC Trojans and became the first freshman to win the Archie Griffin Award. Sam earned his first Pro Bowl honor with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Sam is known for his strong arm and mobility; throughout his journey from a standout college player to a seasoned NFL signal-caller, Darnold has won the hearts of fans and analysts alike.
Sam Darnold Biography
| Full Name | Samuel Richard Darnold |
| Nickname | Sam Darnold |
| Profession | Professional football quarterback |
| Date of Birth | 5 June 1997 |
| Age | 29 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birth Place | Dana Point, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Male |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Catholic |
| @samdarnold |
Early Life
Sam Darnold (Samuel Richard Darnold) was born on June 5, 1997, in Dana Point, California, USA, and his zodiac sign is Gemini. He grew up in Capistrano Beach, a suburb of Orange County, California. During his senior year of high school, San Clemente High School reached the CIF-Southern Section Southwest Division championship game. He enrolled at the University of Southern California as part of the 2015 recruiting class.
Sam Darnold Relationships And More
Sam Darnold began dating Katie Hoefnagel in 2023. Katie is also a California native and a former athlete; she played soccer in high school. Sam and Katie announced their engagement in July 2025; Darnold proposed to her in Dana Point, California.
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Affairs/Girlfriend | Katie Hoofnagle |
| Spouse/Wife | Katie Hoofnagle (engaged in 2025) |
| Children | N/A |
Sam Darnold Family
Sam Darnold was born to Mike Darnold Jr. and Chris Darnold. His father played as an offensive guard at the University of Redlands, while his mother was a college-level volleyball player at Long Beach City College and works as a physical education teacher. Sam also had a sister named Frankie Darnold; she played college volleyball at the University of Rhode Island.
| Father’s Name | Michael Darnold |
| Mother’s Name | Chris Darnold |
| Brother’s Name | None |
| Sister’s Name | Franki Darnold |
Sam Darnold Career
During his two seasons as a starter at the University of Southern California, he recorded 7,229 passing yards, 57 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions, along with 332 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He was selected by the New York Jets as the third overall pick in the first round. At the age of 21, he became the youngest quarterback to start an NFL game in the opening week of the 2018 season.
After three seasons with the Jets, Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021 in exchange for a 2021 sixth-round pick and 2022 second- and fourth-round picks. Darnold signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers for the 2023 season, featuring $3.5 million in guarantees.
In 2024, Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, which included a $6.25 million signing bonus and $8.75 million in guarantees. Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks in 2025. Darnold remained the Seahawks’ starter in 2026; this marked the first time since his stint with the Panthers that he stayed with the same team for consecutive years.
Sam Darnold Awards and Highlights
- 2 – Pro Bowl (204-2025)
- 2017 – First-team All-Pac-12
- 2016 – Archie Griffin Award
- 2016 – Pac-12 Offensive freshman of the Year
- Super Bowl champion – LX
Sam Darnold Height And Weight
| Height (approx) | In centimeters – 191 cm In meters – 1.91 m In feet & inches – 6’3” |
| Weight (approx) | In kilograms – 102 kg In pounds – 225 lbs |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Brown |
Sam Darnold Net Worth
As of early 2026, football player Sam Darnold has a net worth of $30 million. His income sources include his NFL contracts, endorsements, and various business ventures.
| Net Worth (approx) | $30 million (as of early 2026) |
| Annual Income (approx) | Update soon |
| Salary (approx) | $5.3 million (for 2025) |
| Contract (3-year, 2025-2027) | $100,500,000 (with Seattle Seahawks) |
| Income sources | Contract, salary, endorsement, and other |
Some Interesting Facts About Sam Darnold
- Sam Darnold was born and raised in Dana Point, California, alongside his sister, Frankie Darnold.
- He attended San Clemente High School in San Clemente, California.
- His grandfather, Dick Hammer, was a USC athlete and an actor known for portraying the ‘Marlboro Man’.
- During high school, he was twice named the ‘South Coast League Most Valuable Player’.
- Darnold received scholarship offers to play college football from schools such as Oregon, Utah, Northwestern, and Duke.
- After high school, he went to the University of Southern California for his further education.
- Sam Darnold played in the Pac-12 Conference Championship and the 2017 Cotton Bowl.
- In 2016, he was presented with the ‘Archie Griffin Award’, recognizing him as a top college football player in the country.
- In the 2018 NFL Draft, Sam Darnold was selected third overall by the New York Jets.
- His mother is a physical education teacher at Shorecliffs Middle School.
- His older sister, Frankie, is a volleyball player who played for the University of Rhode Island.
- His friends include fellow quarterbacks Josh Allen and Kyle Allen, and the three often train together.
- In July 2025, Sam Darnold got engaged to Katie Hoofnagle.
FAQ:
How old is Sam Darnold?
As of 2026, Sam Darnold is 29 years old.
Who is Sam Darnold’s wife?
Darnold engaged to Katie Hoofnagle in 2025.
What is Sam Darnold’s net worth?
As of early 2026, Sam Darnold’s net worth is $30 million.
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