Sam Darnold competed at Cooperstown Dreams Park with the OC Hawks (CA) during Tournament 11 in 2010. He helped his team to a 5-1 regular game record for the 17th seed, including a home run and a grand slam in the same game. Sam also threw a 4-inning shutout.

Sam graduated from San Clemente High School (San Clemente, CA) where he was a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams. A three-year starter at quarterback, he helped his football team to a career 15-3 record. His accolades included 2014 Prep Star All-American Team, Max Preps All-State Division II first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Orange County Register Fab 15 second team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, All-CIF Southwest Division Offensive MVP and Orange County Register All-Orange County Offensive Player of the Year. On the hardwood, he earned All-League basketball MVP as a sophomore as well as All-CIF Division IAA second team and Orange County Register All-Orange County fourth team. Sam also earned the following baseball awards: Orange County Register Boys Athlete of the Year and the Orange County Athletic Directors Association Orange County Male Athlete of the Year for 2014-15.

After his high school graduation, Sam continued his academics and football career and University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA). The starting quarterback for two collegiate seasons, he entered the 2018 NFL draft and was selected by the New York Jets. He spent three seasons with the Jets, then was traded to the Carolina Panthers where he played for two seasons before heading to the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings for a season each, respectively. Prior to the 2025 season, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Sam led the Seattle Seahawks to clinch the NFC Championship and then defeated the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl LX.