Sam Darnold has settled in comfortably as the Vikings’ quarterback this season. But there’s no denying his Southern California roots. Born and raised in San Clemente — located between Los Angeles and San Diego — and a former USC star, Darnold’s return to the West Coast is a meaningful one, even if he’s trying to play it cool.
With the Vikings heading to SoFi Stadium to face the Rams on Thursday night, Darnold admitted his phone’s been flooded with ticket requests from friends and family.
“I’ve got a lot of people asking for tickets,” he said with a grin. “It’s been great.”
It’ll be his first time playing professionally in Southern California in front of fans. His only previous NFL appearance in L.A. was in 2020 — during the COVID-19 pandemic — as a member of the Jets.
Still, Darnold is treating the trip like business as usual. “I’m going there on a business trip,” he said, keeping the focus on helping the Vikings rebound from their narrow 31-29 loss to the Lions.
“I’m always excited to go out there and play football with my teammates. It’s another great opportunity for us.”
This week also marks Minnesota’s first prime-time appearance of the season, and expectations are high.
“They’re going to see what they’ve been seeing,” said star receiver Justin Jefferson. “He’s been playing great.”
After struggling early in his career with the Jets and Panthers, Darnold revived his trajectory last season in San Francisco and has taken full advantage of his fresh start in Minnesota. He’s led the Vikings to a 5-1 record while throwing for 1,370 yards and 12 touchdowns.
“He’s been our true leader,” said running back Aaron Jones. “When things get tough, Sam lifts us up. He’s been making big plays all season.”
For someone once hailed as a star in the making back in SoCal, Darnold’s return home feels like a full-circle moment — and he’s finally playing like the quarterback many always believed he could become.
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