League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Transactions

Sam Darnold credits 49ers for his growth in NFL

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 6:19 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Sam Darnold credits 49ers for his growth in NFL

Summary

Sam Darnold reflected on his time with the San Francisco 49ers during his appearance on Bussin’ with the Boys. Darnold, who served as backup to Brock Purdy in 2023, claims he gained significant knowledge, calling it a period of earning his 'PhD in football.' His experience included observing high-caliber teammates and learning efficient preparation methods. Darnold has since found success, winning 14 games each in the past two seasons while playing for the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks. His performance included completing 67.7% of passes in 2025 and achieving his first Super Bowl victory last season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Darnold spent a critical year as a backup with the 49ers.
•He learned from observing teammates like Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey.
•Darnold completed 67.7% of his passes in 2025.
•He won his first Super Bowl with the Seahawks after leaving San Francisco.

Latest Updates

1:45 AMYahoo Sports — Sam Darnold credits 49ers for football 'PhD' that saved his career
6:19 PMYahoo Sports — Sam Darnold: I feel like I got my PhD in football when I went to San Francisco

What they're saying

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Before Sam Darnold starred at quarterback for the Vikings and won Super Bowl LX with the Seahawks, he spent a year as the 49ers’ backup to Brock Purdy.
— Yahoo Sports