The Minnesota Vikings have enjoyed one of the more remarkable seasons in their recent history this term - and they have done so anchored by a quarterback bolt from the blue.
Sam Darnold, the former third-choice pick for the New York Jets, has made waves this term after a rollercoaster career, scaling new highs to deliver on a half-decade promise.
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With high hopes across the state that the team can end their long wait for glory, DAZN takes a look at the 27-year-old's career so far on a sometimes turbulent NFL journey.
What was Darnold's collegiate career?
Born into a sporting family with deep roots - his grandfather Dick Jammer played volleyball at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games - Darnold always appeared destined for the top.
A member of the USC Trojans during his collegiate career, he enjoyed a glittering tenure before turning professional, earning selection to the first team All-Pac-12 in 2017.
Before that, he was Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2016, and claimed the Archie Griffin Award the same year, as college football's most valuable player overall.
(Getty Images)
What was Darnold's early NFL career?
With a fine record under his belt as an amateur, Darnold was picked third in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft by the New York Jets, with high expectations upon his promise.
He set a record as the youngest QB to start a season opener since 1970, but never really got going amid a struggling support roster, despite career-high figures in 2019.
He was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, where he again struggled for two seasons, before playing one year - and a single start - for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
What was Darnold's revival in Minnesota?
Signed on a one-year deal by the Vikings to offer competition to rookie J. J. McCarthy, Darnold was unexpectedly tasked with the top job after a preseason injury to the former.
He made a sensational start to the term, throwing for 208 yards and two touchdowns against the New York Giants in the season opener, and only grew in strength from there.
Darnold made Vikings history against the Atlanta Falcons in December with the highest passer rating in a game for the franchise, with an astonishing 157.9 leading to five TDs.
Can Darnold go all the way?
With a humility and work ethic that has earned him respect in the locker room, Darnold has been praised by coaches and teammates alike for his leadership and communiation.
He has cited his upbringing among a supportive family in San Clemente, California as key to his family values and a remarkable resurgence following years in the wilderness.
But whether he can guide the Vikings all the way remains to be seen - and Monday's matchup with the Chicago Bears could have pivotal reprecussions for the rest of the term.
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