Sam Darnold Credits Brock Purdy With Helping Save His NFL Career

When Sam Darnold entered the NFL as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 Draft, expectations were sky-high. Touted as a franchise quarterback, he was seen as the future of the New York Jets. But after a turbulent few years marked by injuries, inconsistency, and constant coaching changes, Darnold’s career seemed to be teetering on the edge. Many around the league wondered if the talented USC product would ever live up to the potential he once showed.

But in 2023, everything changed.

After a stint with the Carolina Panthers, Darnold signed with the San Francisco 49ers — a team known for its strong coaching staff and quarterback-friendly system. More importantly, he found himself in the same quarterback room as Brock Purdy, the former “Mr. Irrelevant” who had become one of the NFL’s biggest surprises.

In a recent interview, Darnold opened up about how much Purdy influenced him, both mentally and physically.
“Watching Brock work was like watching a guy with nothing to lose play like he had everything to prove. It woke something up in me,” Darnold said.
“If I hadn’t landed in San Francisco and learned from Brock — the way he sees the game, prepares, competes — I honestly think I’d be out of the league by now.”

While Purdy was younger and less experienced on paper, Darnold said it was Purdy’s sharp ability to read defenses and make quick decisions that caught his attention.
“He taught me how to truly break down a defense before the snap — not just rely on athleticism or raw talent,” Darnold admitted.
“He’s calm, precise, and always ready. Watching that changed how I approach everything.”

What stands out most is Darnold’s humility. It’s rare for a former top pick to publicly acknowledge being inspired and reshaped by someone who entered the league as the very last draft pick. But for Darnold, the experience was transformative — and possibly career-saving.

As of this offseason, Darnold has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, hoping to compete for the starting job while continuing to apply the mindset he developed in San Francisco.
“I’m more prepared now than I’ve ever been — and I owe a big part of that to my time with Brock,” he said.
“That QB room was competitive, but it was also one of the most supportive places I’ve ever been in. It helped me grow, mentally and emotionally.”

Fans and analysts alike have taken notice of Darnold’s growth — both in his play and his maturity. Whether he becomes a full-time starter again or serves as a dependable veteran presence, one thing is clear: Sam Darnold isn’t done yet.

And in his own words, he might not even be in the league today if not for Brock Purdy — a teammate who became an unexpected mentor and a turning point in a career that nearly slipped away.