Former Vikings Quarterback Matches Tom Brady’s Record

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings pulled off a 14-win campaign after Sam Darnold stepped in as the veteran starter. That outcome wasn’t necessarily the plan after drafting J.J. McCarthy 10th overall, but Kevin O’Connell managed to get the best football of Darnold’s career out of the former No. 3 pick.

Rather than run it back, the Vikings allowed Darnold to test the open market. Minnesota reportedly floated a hefty one-year offer, but the Seattle Seahawks ultimately outbid them.

Now that Darnold’s regular season in Seattle has come to an end, he’s captured the top seed in the NFC and accomplished something that narrowly eluded him a year ago. In the process, he joined some extremely rare company, Tom Brady.

Sam Darnold Accomplishes What He Couldn’t With MN Vikings

Much of the hesitation around re-signing Sam Darnold stemmed from his final two games in a Vikings uniform. With the NFC’s top seed on the line, Darnold went just 18-of-41 for 166 yards and no touchdowns against the Detroit Lions. That loss dropped Minnesota to the No. 2 seed, finishing the season at 14–3.

This year, Darnold found himself in a nearly identical spot, and delivered. He helped the Seahawks defeat the San Francisco 49ers, securing a 14–3 record and the NFC’s top seed. Winning 14 games in back-to-back seasons is something only one quarterback in NFL history has done: Tom Brady.

Sam Darnold writing himself into the history books next to the GOAT 👀 pic.twitter.com/gaoxlTkOLR

— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2026

No one is suggesting Darnold has ever looked like Brady at any point in his career. Still, matching a record held exclusively by the GOAT deserves recognition. If Darnold really wanted to complete the symmetry, he’d win a Super Bowl, just as Brady did in 2004 after his second consecutive 14-win season.

What can’t be disputed is the production. Last season with Minnesota, Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns while completing 66.2% of his passes. This year in Seattle, he followed that up with 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and a 67.7% completion rate.

JSN 63-YARD TOUCHDOWN.

SEAvsTEN on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/wtqsQxa5rk

— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025

There’s no reason to believe that Darnold will join Tom Brady in the Hall of Fame someday, or that he’s going to rack up individual accolades. However, his first season in Seattle has already been a very successful one, and going on a Super Bowl run would only further pour salt into the Minnesota Vikings wounds.

There’s no reason to believe Darnold will join Tom Brady in the Hall of Fame someday, or that he’s poised to rack up individual awards. Still, his first season with the Seahawks has been a clear success, and a deep playoff run, or a Super Bowl, would only add salt to Minnesota’s wounds.

MN Vikings Will Watch Darnold’s Run From Afar

Now on the outside looking in, the Minnesota Vikings will watch their former quarterback navigate the NFC playoffs. Seattle’s top seed grants them a first-round bye, setting the stage for a potentially long postseason run.

Darnold has already seen several possible playoff opponents. Seattle’s three losses this season came against the 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams, creating opportunities for revenge should the matchups arise.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are left focusing on fixing the quarterback issues that ultimately derailed their season. Some involved may get one last chance to right the ship, but the margin for error is shrinking fast.