Sam Darnold makes USC history, adds to legacy as legendary Trojans QB in Super Bowl start

Sam Darnold will become the first former USC quarterback to start in a Super Bowl when the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots. Despite USC's storied history in college football, with 26 NFL Draft picks and three Heisman winners from the quarterback position, Darnold is the first to reach this milestone. His career has seen a significant turnaround from being labeled a "bust" after his time with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers to now leading the Seahawks as one of the league's top quarterbacks.

Darnold's tenure at USC was marked by a successful two-year period where he led the Trojans to their first Rose Bowl win and Pac-12 championship since the Pete Carroll era. This success helped to solidify his status as a legendary figure among USC fans, who continue to support him despite his struggles in the NFL. Darnold's redemption arc in the league has been celebrated, and his connection to USC remains strong, underscored by his first Super Bowl start