Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold as he prepares to lead his team into Super Bowl LX. Despite suffering a painful oblique injury during the divisional round of the playoffs, Darnold has maintained a calm demeanor that impressed general manager John Schneider. The quarterback’s efficiency was on full display during the NFC Championship, where he threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams while playing through significant discomfort. Head coach Mike Macdonald praised the veteran for delivering an elite performance despite being unable to practice fully for weeks. The article further notes that Jerry Rice is backing Seattle to win the title, even as the team monitors the health of both Darnold and Patriots rookie Drake Maye. Overall, the text portrays a Seattle franchise thriving behind a determined leader who has silenced critics by winning under physical duress.