“Hope you win it”: Russell Wilson applauds Sam Darnold’s long road to redemption as Seahawks return to the Super Bowl spotlight

The Seattle Seahawks are back on the NFL’s biggest stage, and the story behind their return feels almost unreal. A team, which many expected to fall off, instead surged to the top of the NFC, powered by a quarterback few thought would get his absolute moment. Sam Darnold’s journey has been full of ups and downs, but the QB was instrumental in achieving the Seahawks’ latest ticket to the Super BowlAfter Seattle’s dramatic NFC Championship win over the Rams, one familiar voice from Seahawks history spoke up. Russell Wilson, the last quarterback to lift a Lombardi Trophy for Seattle, publicly showed his respect for Darnold. He praised Darnold’s journey as an inspirational one and congratulated the team on their big victory. On X, Wilson’s message for Darnold reflected a sense of respect and admiration for the QB. He wrote, “Sam Darnold’s comeback story over the past 2 years has been one of the most inspirational things to watch! Cool seeing him overcome!!! Congrats, bro. Hope you win it! Go Hawks.”Darnold’s rise in Seattle has been a steady growth that did not necessarily grab headlines. Early in his career, expectations crushed him as high draft status, unstable coaching, and losing rosters shaped the journey. Instead of fading away, Darnold adapted well, and his time as a backup helped him reset mentally. His breakout season in Minnesota rebuilt his confidence. Seattle saw more in him through his composure and leadership.Darnold stepped into a locker room adjusting to life after Geno Smith and made it his own. He did not force throws, and he trusted the defense. Most importantly, he stayed calm when the moment demanded it. Against the Rams, playing through injury, Darnold controlled the tempo and delivered when Seattle needed answers. The Seahawks’ defense finished the job, but it was Darnold who gave them belief.Now comes the hardest test with the match against the Patriots at the Super Bowl. New England’s defense has dominated all postseason, and history has not been kind to Darnold against the Patriots. Still, this version of Darnold feels different, and Seattle’s offense is confident and balanced. The competitive spirit is high, and Russell Wilson knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl in Seattle colors.