Sam Darnold Bio 2026: Age, Height, Fiancée, Net Worth, Career, Stats & Vikings Contract Breakdown
Samuel Richard Darnold is a 28 years 7 months old NFL quarterback who transformed from a much-maligned draft bust into a Pro Bowl-caliber starter with the Minnesota Vikings. Once the third overall pick of the 2018 draft, Darnold’s career resurrection—culminating in a breakout 2024 season and a lucrative 2026 contract extension—has become one of professional football’s most compelling redemption narratives.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Richard Darnold |
| Nick Name | “Sammy,” “Darnold” |
| Profession | NFL Quarterback |
| Birth Date | 5 June 1997 |
| Age | 28 years 7 months old |
| Birth Place | Dana Point, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | USC star; 2018 #3 pick; Vikings 2024 comeback; 2026 contract extension |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height & Weight | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm); 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Qualification | B.S. Communication (USC, incomplete; left early for draft) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Fiancée | Hannah Fields (engaged 2024) |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Mike & Chris Darnold |
| Siblings | Franki Darnold (older sister, former volleyball player) |
| Hobbies | Surfing, golf, video games, beach volleyball |
| Current Team | Minnesota Vikings (2024–present) |
| Jersey Number | #14 |
| Years Active | 2018–present |
| Net Worth | ≈ $45 million (2026 est.) |
Early Life & Education
Sam grew up in the surf culture of San Clemente, California, where his father Mike was a medical equipment salesperson and mother Chris a physical education teacher. Both parents were athletes—Mike played college football, Chris college volleyball—and pushed Sam toward multiple sports. He dominated youth football, basketball, and baseball, but didn’t start at quarterback until his junior year at San Clemente High School after a growth spurt.
Recruited as a linebacker by most programs, USC saw quarterback potential in his 6’4″ frame and elite arm talent. Darnold redshirted 2015, then exploded onto the scene in 2016—leading the Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory over Penn State and earning Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. He bypassed his senior season after a 2017 campaign that saw 4,143 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Career Journey
New York Jets (2018–2020)
- 2018 – Selected #3 overall; became youngest opening-day starter in NFL history (21 years, 85 days)
- 2018 – 17 TDs, 15 INTs; showed flashes but struggled behind league-worst offensive line
- 2019 – Mononucleosis diagnosis sidelined him 3 games; “seeing ghosts” comment against Patriots became infamous
- 2020 – COVID-19 opt-out considerations; 9 TDs, 11 INTs in 12 games; Jets finished 2-14, secured #2 pick
Carolina Panthers (2021–2022)
- 2021 – Traded for 2nd, 4th, and 6th-round picks; reunited with OC Joe Brady (LSU connection)
- 2021 – 9 TDs, 13 INTs; Panthers 5-12; benched for cam newton return
- 2022 – Lost starting job to Baker Mayfield; released after preseason
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
- Signed one-year, $4.5 million deal as brock purdy’s backup
- Played 2 games (1 start); efficient in mop-up duty; learned Kyle Shanahan’s system
Minnesota Vikings (2024–present)
- 2024 – Signed two-year, $10 million deal to back up Kirk Cousins
- Week 8 – Thrust into starting role after Cousins’ Achilles tear
- 2024 Season – 4,319 passing yards, 35 TDs, 12 INTs; 101.3 passer rating; Pro Bowl selection
- 2025 – Led Vikings to NFC Championship Game; lost to Eagles
- March 2026 – Signed four-year, $110 million extension ($75 million guaranteed)
Career Stats (NFL)
| Season | Team | Games | Comp% | Yards | TD | INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | NYJ | 13 | 57.7% | 2,865 | 17 | 15 | 77.6 |
| 2019 | NYJ | 13 | 61.9% | 3,024 | 19 | 13 | 84.3 |
| 2020 | NYJ | 12 | 59.6% | 2,208 | 9 | 11 | 72.7 |
| 2021 | CAR | 12 | 59.9% | 2,527 | 9 | 13 | 71.9 |
| 2022 | CAR | 6 | 58.6% | 1,143 | 7 | 3 | 92.1 |
| 2023 | SF | 2 | 65.2% | 297 | 2 | 1 | 101.3 |
| 2024 | MIN | 16 | 66.2% | 4,319 | 35 | 12 | 101.3 |
| 2025 | MIN | 17 | 64.8% | 4,156 | 31 | 14 | 97.8 |
| Career | — | 91 | 62.4% | 20,539 | 129 | 82 | 89.4 |
Personal Life
Sam began dating Hannah Fields, a former track and field athlete and Special Olympics coordinator, in 2020. The couple got engaged in July 2024 during a beach vacation in Cabo San Lucas, announcing it with a sunset proposal photo. They reside in a $3.2 million home in Edina, Minnesota during the season and maintain a beach house in San Clemente. No children yet; both have spoken about wanting a family post-football.
Darnold remains close to his sister Franki, who played volleyball at the University of Rhode Island and now works in sports marketing. His mother Chris battled breast cancer in 2019; Sam has since become an advocate for cancer research fundraising.
Dating History / Affairs
No public relationships before Hannah Fields; described by teammates as “low-key” and “obsessive about film study” during early career struggles.
Controversies
- “Seeing Ghosts” (2019) – Mic’d up comment against Patriots became meme fodder and symbol of Jets dysfunction; Darnold later said it “sucked” but made him tougher
- 2020 COVID Opt-Out Consideration – Briefly considered sitting out; criticized by some fans, though he played full season
- 2022 Carolina Benching – Baker Mayfield trade awkwardness; Darnold handled professionally, later credited period for mental growth
Awards & Achievements
- 2017 – Rose Bowl MVP (USC)
- 2017 – Pac-12 Second Team
- 2018 – PFWA All-Rookie Team
- 2024 – Pro Bowl selection
- 2024 – NFC Offensive Player of the Month (November)
- 2025 – Vikings Team MVP
Physical Statistics
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
- Weight: 225 lb (102 kg)
- Arm Length: 31 3/4 in
- Hand Size: 9 3/4 in
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.85 seconds (2018 combine)
- Build: Athletic, surfer’s physique with added muscle for NFL durability
- Hair: Light brown, often sun-bleached in offseason
- Eyes: Hazel
Quotes
- “The ‘seeing ghosts’ thing—it happened, it sucked, but it made me who I am. You either break or you get broken in this league.”
- “Minnesota believed in me when nobody else did. That’s not something you forget.”
- “I play best when I’m surfing in the morning and throwing in the afternoon. Balance is everything.”
Favorites
- Surf break: T-Street, San Clemente
- Golf course: Torrey Pines
- Video game: Call of Duty (plays with Vikings linemen)
- Pre-game meal: Acai bowl, grilled chicken
- Music: Country (Zach Bryan, Morgan Wallen)
Salary & Net Worth
| Contract | Value | Guaranteed |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Jets rookie deal | $30.2 M | $30.2 M |
| 2021 Panthers (exercised 5th year) | $18.9 M | $18.9 M |
| 2023 49ers | $4.5 M | $3.5 M |
| 2024–2025 Vikings | $10 M | $8 M |
| 2026 Extension | $110 M | $75 M |
Career earnings through 2025: ~$64 million. With the 2026 extension, total career earnings project to $150+ million by 2029. Current net worth estimated at $45 million (2026), including real estate, investments, and endorsement deals with Nike, Bose, and local Minnesota brands.
Interesting Facts
- Didn’t play quarterback until junior year of high school—was a linebacker/wide receiver
- First NFL touchdown was a 7-yard run, not a pass
- Surfs almost every morning in the offseason; calls it “meditation with adrenaline”
- Roomed with Baker Mayfield at the 2018 NFLPA Rookie Premiere; later replaced him in Carolina
- Wears #14 to honor his grandfather, who played semi-pro baseball
Did You Know Already?
Sam’s 2024 passer rating (101.3) was nearly identical to his 2023 49ers rating—proving the jump was system and opportunity, not random variance.
Social Media Links
FAQs
How old is Sam Darnold?
Born June 5, 1997—he is 28 years 7 months old.
Who is Sam Darnold’s fiancée?
Hannah Fields, former track athlete and Special Olympics coordinator; engaged July 2024.
What is Sam Darnold’s net worth?
Approximately $45 million (2026), projecting to $150+ million with new contract.
What teams has Sam Darnold played for?
Jets (2018–2020), Panthers (2021–2022), 49ers (2023), Vikings (2024–present).
Is Sam Darnold a Pro Bowler?
Yes—selected for the 2025 Pro Bowl following his 2024 breakout season.
What was Sam Darnold’s 2024 stats?
4,319 yards, 35 TDs, 12 INTs, 101.3 passer rating; led Vikings to NFC Championship.
Why did Sam Darnold struggle with the Jets?
Poor offensive line, coaching instability, and youth; later acknowledged “needed to fail to learn.”
Conclusion
Sam Darnold’s arc—from “seeing ghosts” to Pro Bowl glory—reads like a Hollywood screenplay written in real time. His 2026 contract extension validates a decade of perseverance through two dysfunctional franchises, a backup year in San Francisco, and finally, the Minnesota system that unlocked his potential. Whether he hoists a Lombardi Trophy or simply extends this second act, Darnold has already proven that NFL quarterbacks can bloom late. If this deep-dive inspired your own comeback story, share it—Sam would appreciate the belief.
