Jefferson: Vikings Would Have Been Better With Sam Darnold as QB
Justin Jefferson's Candid Take on Vikings' QB Choice
Justin Jefferson didn't hold back, stating the Minnesota Vikings would have fared better with Sam Darnold at quarterback. After Darnold's departure following a stellar 2024 season with 35 touchdowns and a 14-3 record, the team plummeted to 9-8 in 2025, missing playoffs amid QB instability with J.J. McCarthy.[1][2]
Darnold's Rise and Vikings' Fall
Jefferson highlighted Darnold's familiarity with the playbook and stars like himself, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. His own output dipped, scraping 1,000 yards over 17 games versus 10 in 2023. Meanwhile, Darnold joined the Seahawks, earned another Pro Bowl, and led them to Super Bowl LX with 14 wins.[2][3]
Looking Ahead Post-Firing
Jefferson praised Darnold's success despite the tough watch, wishing him well while eyeing Vikings' rebuild after GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing. The offense ranked 28th in 2025, signaling urgent changes for 2026 contention.[1]
About the People Mentioned
Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. Born on June 5, 1997, in Dana Point, California, he played college football at USC, where he distinguished himself as a highly efficient and productive quarterback. At USC, Darnold set multiple records, including being the only Trojan quarterback to have back-to-back games with five passing touchdowns and leading the nation in several freshman quarterback categories such as passing efficiency and completion percentage[1]. Darnold was drafted third overall in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, marking him as one of the highest selections of his class[2][4]. He was the youngest quarterback to start an NFL game at the time, debuting with a strong win over the Detroit Lions. However, his tenure with the Jets was marked by inconsistency and injuries, limiting him to no more than 13 starts in any season and a career record of 17-32 as a starter with the team[4]. Following his time with the Jets, Darnold spent a period with the Carolina Panthers and later signed as a backup quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was noted for outperforming Trey Lance in the depth chart during the offseason[5]. In 2025, Darnold signed a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks, where he currently plays, bringing eight years of NFL experience and standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds[2][6][7]. Throughout his career, Darnold has been recognized for his resilience and adaptability, transitioning from a highly promising college star to navigating the challenges of professional football with multiple teams. His current role with the Seahawks reflects his ongoing relevance in the league as a seasoned quarterback[3][5][6].
J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy is a 22-year-old quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, born on January 20, 2003. He was drafted by the Vikings in the first round (10th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Michigan.[3][4] During his college career at Michigan, McCarthy established himself as one of the program's most successful quarterbacks. He finished with a 27-1 record as a starter, achieving a 96.4 winning percentage—the best by any college quarterback since 1971.[2] He accumulated 7,905 career pass yards with 49 touchdown passes and just 13 interceptions, demonstrating exceptional accuracy and decision-making.[2] McCarthy was named the Griese-Brees Big Ten Quarterback of the Year in 2023 and earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors that same year.[2] He also received the Bo Schembechler Most Valuable Player award in 2023 and was named the team's Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.[2] McCarthy made an immediate impact in his NFL debut, making history in a Vikings victory over the Chicago Bears. He became the first quarterback to score three fourth-quarter touchdowns in his NFL debut, throwing two touchdown passes to Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones before adding a 14-yard rushing touchdown.[1] Trailing 17-6 after three quarters, McCarthy orchestrated a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, leading the Vikings to a 27-24 win.[1] He also became the first quarterback to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit of at least 10 points since Hall of Famer Steve Young nearly 40 years earlier.[1] Additionally, McCarthy joined Vikings Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton as the only Vikings quarterbacks to throw multiple touchdowns in their NFL debuts.[1] Currently, McCarthy serves as the Vikings' starting quarterback as the team competes in the 2025 NFL season, continuing to build on his record-setting debut performance.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Minnesota Vikings
The **Minnesota Vikings** are a professional American football team based in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1961, the team competes in the National Football Conference (NFC) of the National Football League (NFL)[1][4]. While not typically associated with business or technology news, the Vikings have a rich history that intersects with these fields through their organizational structure and operations. **History and Achievements:** The Vikings' early history reflects the rivalry between the NFL and the American Football League (AFL) in the 1960s. Initially offered an AFL franchise, the team's investors opted for an NFL expansion team instead[2]. The Vikings have won one NFL championship in 1969, which was the last before the NFL-AFL merger[1][3]. They have appeared in four Super Bowls, losing each time[1]. Notable players include Fran Tarkenton and the defensive line known as the "Purple People Eaters," featuring Alan Page and Carl Eller[1][3]. **Current Status:** The Vikings play their home games at **U.S. Bank Stadium**, which opened in 2016. The stadium is equipped with modern technology, including a sound system that features a Gjallarhorn, a nod to Norse mythology[5]. The team continues to invest in technology for fan engagement and operational efficiency. **Notable Aspects:** - **Business Operations:** The Vikings are involved in various business ventures, including real estate development around their stadium and partnerships with local companies. - **Community Engagement:** The team is active in community outreach programs, using sports to promote education and health initiatives. - **Technology Integration:** The Vikings leverage technology to enhance fan experience and improve team performance through data analytics and digital marketing. Overall, the Minnesota Vikings are a storied NFL team with a strong organizational structure that blends sports with business and community engagement.
Seahawks
The **Seattle Seahawks** are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division. Established in 1976 as an expansion franchise, the Seahawks were formed after a concerted effort by Seattle business and community leaders, with Lloyd W. Nordstrom representing the majority ownership group[1][6]. The team’s name, “Seahawks,” was chosen from over 1,700 public submissions, referring to the osprey bird[1]. The Seahawks' early years were marked by foundational leadership, including their first general manager John Thompson and head coach Jack Patera. Over the decades, the team has built a strong regional and national presence, playing home games at Lumen Field since 2002, a stadium known for its intense crowd noise famously exemplified by the “Beast Quake” during Marshawn Lynch’s 2010 playoff run[2]. Key achievements include multiple playoff appearances and a reputation for a passionate fan base and competitive teams. The organization emphasizes core values of diversity, respect, and community engagement, aiming to foster inclusiveness on and off the field[4]. Recent years have seen strategic player acquisitions such as defensive tackle Byron Murphy II in the 2024 NFL Draft, signaling ongoing efforts to strengthen the roster under head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider[3]. In terms of organizational culture, the Seahawks rank mid-tier among NFL teams in player treatment and facilities. The 2025 NFLPA report card rates the team 15th overall, praising improvements in family accommodations and coaching, while noting areas for facility upgrades like the training and tub rooms set for renovation[9]. Ownership under Jody Allen receives moderate ratings for investment and team culture contribution, reflecting a steady but cautious approach to team development[9]. Overall, the Seattle Seahawks combine a rich history with a forward-looking strategy in football performance and community values, making them
