Sam Darnold just had one of the most incredible career trajectories of any NFL quarterback in recent memory. People wrote him off when he struggled to gain his footing with the New York Jets, and the stats didn't paint a pretty picture of the former USC Trojan's future in the league.
Darnold's first three seasons at MetLife Stadium were nightmarish, with his best year there being a 7-6 2019 campaign. While his offensive line and coaching were part of the problem, he didn't make it easier by never throwing fewer than 11 interceptions during his time as a Jet.
Some even believed that he was destined to become a career backup after a disappointing stint with the Carolina Panthers. However, no one can deny now that he's a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks.
Now that he's completed a Cinderella-like turnaround in his career, he was asked about his time with the team that drafted him.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sam Darnold Thanks Jets Fans for Support After Super Bowl Win
During his Raising Cane's appearance on Tuesday, FanSided's Justin Fried asked Darnold about his thoughts on Jets fans supporting him throughout his NFL journey. He responded that he deeply appreciates their support and that he always looks back at his time in East Rutherford fondly.
"That's all you can ask for as a player," Darnold said. "To be supported, especially by the team that drafted me."
He then said something that might make some Jets fans tear up: "I always look at myself and feel like I could have done a lot more for that franchise when I was there. The fact that they were able to support me even through that means a lot."
If that statement didn't earn him brownie points in the Jets fandom, then the world has become a cold and bitter place.