By Jonny Camer, PSO Asst. Director of Football & Baseball Operations
Jun 05, 2022

As Carolina Panthers fans celebrate Sam Darnold on his 25th birthday, check out some of the most impressive records to know about the young quarterback.

As the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, everyone had high expectations for the University of Southern California (USC) Quarterback. As the USC starting QB and a campus legend, he threw 7,229 yards, 57 TDs, and a 153.7 passer rating while generating buzz across the nation. When the New York Jets selected the hard-throwing righty, many fans were excited to see what Sam Darnold could do in the NFL.

Growing up as a California native who spent all of his collegiate days in Southern California, Darnold had a somewhat challenging transition to New York and professional football. The 6’3″ signal-caller demonstrated signs of potential throughout his rookie season, which had Jets fans excited for his NFL second year. Unfortunately, many of the same woes (e.g., 13 interceptions in 2019) followed the former Trojan into his Sophomore pro season.

Consequently, his NFL performance in NYC did not match the college hype. After three seasons with the Jets, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a 2021 6th round pick and 2022 2nd round and 4th round picks as the Panthers hoped the former number three overall pick could blossom and grow into their franchise starting QB. Darnold still has plenty of potential, including a strong arm and solid movement in the pocket. While Darnold continues to try and live up to his lofty draft status, he’s already accomplished things nobody else ever has. 

Sam Darnold outlook records

COLORS KEY | FULL PANTHERS OUTLOOK 
 

Here are some of the most impressive records to know about Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold reference records
Via Pro Football Reference
 

Sam Darnold showed off his arm at a young age with a record-breaking TD to Robby Anderson

NFL record:

  • Youngest (22) player to record a PASS TD of 90+ YDS in the Super Bowl era [since 1967]

The Jets have had some pretty big names over the years, and the Cali Native still etched his name into the record books

Sam Darnold’s Jets records:

  • Consecutive games played (38) with 10+ CMP
  • Rookie CMP% (57.7) & PASS RTG (77.6) [min 7 games played]
  • Youngest (21) with 110+ PASS RTG (116.8) in 1 game 

Sam Darnold has a case to be considered the best Jets rookie QB ever

Highest PASS RTG by a rookie in New York Jets history [min 10 games]:

1. 2018 Sam Darnold (77.6)

2. 1984 Ken O’Brien (74.0)

3. 2021 Zach Wilson (69.7)

4. 1965 Joe Namath (68.8)

5. 2013 Geno Smith (66.5) 

DARNOLD IS DYNAMIC

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