]

Vikings QB Sam Darnold Set to Claim Award He Was Once Ineligible For.D

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.

Vikings' Sam Darnold likely to play vs. Bears despite foot injury

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.

Sam Darnold makes statement as Vikings crush Texans

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.

Vikings OC: We know Darnold will be 'sought after' in free agency |  theScore.com

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.

Related Posts

Los Dodgers dicen que los agentes de inmigración negaron la entrada al estadio de Los Ángeles porque... - wiwisss

Los Dodgers dicen que los agentes de inmigración negaron la entrada al estadio de Los Ángeles porque… – wiwisss

Los Dodgers de Los Ángeles se han visto en el centro de una creciente conversación nacional tras revelarse que a agentes de inmigración se les negó la entrada

ÚLTIMA HORA: La MLB multa a Dave Roberts de los Dodgers con $25,000 por reiterados comentarios de "Jódete" hacia el árbitro durante... - wiwisss

ÚLTIMA HORA: La MLB multa a Dave Roberts de los Dodgers con $25,000 por reiterados comentarios de “Jódete” hacia el árbitro durante… – wiwisss

En una escena impactante y violenta que ya ha resultado en medidas disciplinarias formales, las Grandes Ligas de Béisbol anunciaron hoy que el mánager de los Dodgers…

BREAKING NEWS: NIKE Brand unexpectedly proposed to cooperate with New York Mets, committed to being one of the biggest sponsors of the team from now on with the only condition that they play at least 1 official match wearing LGBT-themed shoes to promote gender equality across the United States... - Mariku

BREAKING NEWS: NIKE Brand unexpectedly proposed to cooperate with New York Mets, committed to being one of the biggest sponsors of the team from now on with the only condition that they play at least 1 official match wearing LGBT-themed shoes to promote gender equality across the United States… – Mariku

In a move that stunned both the sports and fashion industries, Nike has officially announced a long-term sponsorship agreement with the New York Mets. The

BREAKING NEWS: Elon Musk 'Shocked' After Visiting New Citi Field, Offers Partnership to Turn Mets Into Largest Ballpark of the Century!. - Mariku

BREAKING NEWS: Elon Musk ‘Shocked’ After Visiting New Citi Field, Offers Partnership to Turn Mets Into Largest Ballpark of the Century!. – Mariku

Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, recently toured the newly renovated Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Known for his passion

HOT🛑 MLB has expressed disappointment after seeing Carlos Mendoza check into his Mexico City hotel with an adult film actress... Full Details in comments👇. - SSS

HOT🛑 MLB has expressed disappointment after seeing Carlos Mendoza check into his Mexico City hotel with an adult film actress… Full Details in comments👇. – Mariku

Major League Baseball (MLB) is facing significant disappointment following reports that Carlos Mendoza, a prominent figure in the league, was seen checking

Brian Snitker Causes a Storm with Harsh Statement on Transgender Sports: “Why argue? Women are women, and men are men. You are born with what you are born with.". - SSS

Brian Snitker Causes a Storm with Harsh Statement on Transgender Sports: “Why argue? Women are women, and men are men. You are born with what you are born with.”. – SSS

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker is facing mounting backlash after a blunt and controversial comment about transgender participation in sports during a