Has there been a bigger surprise this season than the rise of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold? The story surrounding Darnold’s time with the Vikings has certainly captured the attention of fans, analysts, and even his critics.

When Darnold first signed with Minnesota on a one-year contract worth $10 million, the plan was relatively straightforward: he would serve as a bridge quarterback, providing stability and experience while rookie J.J. McCarthy was given time to develop. For Darnold, this was an opportunity to rehab his image after a career that had been marked by inconsistency and underachievement in previous seasons. He wasn’t seen as a long-term solution for the Vikings; instead, it was a chance for him to prove he still had the skills to lead a team, with the hope that solid play could earn him a bigger contract elsewhere.

What has transpired since Darnold arrived in Minnesota, however, has far exceeded expectations. He has not only regained his confidence but has transformed into a more polished and composed quarterback, playing at a level that has left many questioning whether he could remain as the Vikings’ starting quarterback for the long haul. Darnold’s emergence has sparked widespread conversation — both within the team and in the broader NFL community — about his potential future in Minnesota. Could he really be the long-term answer? Has he done enough to earn a permanent starting spot?

As the season progresses, the narrative around Darnold has grown more compelling. He is no longer just a reclamation project; he is now a player making an undeniable impact on the field. With each passing week, his play has become more consistent and his command of the offense more natural. Darnold’s leadership and maturity are evident, and he is developing a strong connection with his receivers, creating a sense of chemistry that had been missing in his earlier seasons. His ability to make key throws under pressure has helped the Vikings stay competitive in a tight division race, further solidifying his place as one of the league’s most intriguing quarterbacks this season.

As if the unexpected success of his comeback wasn’t enough, Darnold has now found himself in the conversation for one of the NFL’s most prestigious individual honors: the Comeback Player of the Year award. This year, the NFL made a significant change to the criteria for this award, which had been previously dominated by players overcoming life-threatening injuries or other personal tragedies. For example, in 2022, quarterback Joe Flacco won the award after a strong finish to his season with the New York Jets, defeating Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who tragically collapsed on the field due to a cardiac arrest. In response to this, the NFL altered the Comeback Player of the Year rules to specifically focus on players who return from significant injuries, rather than those who may have overcome other types of adversity, such as age or career struggles.

With the new rules in place, Sam Darnold now finds himself eligible for this coveted award, and his candidacy is growing stronger by the day. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio recently weighed in on Darnold’s chances, stating that votes for Darnold as Comeback Player of the Year would indeed be counted — a significant statement of recognition. Additionally, the Associated Press confirmed this position, further affirming that Darnold’s remarkable season is being viewed through the lens of a potential award winner.

Considering the season Darnold has had so far, it seems all but certain that he will be a frontrunner for the award. His journey back from a challenging start to his career has been nothing short of inspiring. This recognition would not only cap off a career-defining season for Darnold, but it would also serve as a testament to his resilience and ability to persevere through adversity.

From being written off by many to emerging as one of the NFL’s most talked-about quarterbacks, Sam Darnold’s story in 2025 has become a captivating narrative of redemption, growth, and unexpected success. What started as a stopgap solution for the Vikings has transformed into one of the season’s most intriguing storylines. Will Darnold secure the starting job for the long term? Will he claim the Comeback Player of the Year award? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Sam Darnold’s comeback is one for the ages, and he’s making the most of this opportunity.