Michael Darnold: Father Behind NFL QB Sam Darnold’s Success
Michael Darnold is Sam Darnold’s father who played as an offensive lineman at the University of Redlands and has significantly influenced his son’s NFL career through a hands-off parenting approach.
The Athletic Background of Michael Darnold
Michael Darnold Jr., commonly known as Mike, comes from a family with deep athletic roots. His background in sports has played a crucial role in shaping his son Sam’s career in the NFL. Mike was an offensive lineman at the University of Redlands, where he developed his understanding of football fundamentals and team dynamics. Though Mike couldn’t make it to the professional leagues for unknown reasons, his experience and knowledge of the game provided a solid foundation for his son’s future in football.
Mike’s athletic background wasn’t limited to his own experiences. The Darnold family has a rich sports legacy that spans generations. Sam’s grandfather, Dick Hammer, was a notable athlete who played basketball at USC and was part of the 1954 team that reached the Final Four. Additionally, Dick was a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic men’s volleyball team, further cementing the family’s athletic heritage.
Mike’s Parenting Philosophy
What sets Mike Darnold apart from many sports parents is his unique parenting philosophy. Despite having an exceptionally talented son, Mike adopted a hands-off approach that allowed Sam to develop naturally as both an athlete and a person. Mike believed in creating a supportive environment without applying unnecessary pressure on his son.
In his own words, Mike has stated, “Sam’s not flashy, he’s not a yeller, he’s not a trophy collector or a bragger. But I feel like we worked hard to raise our kids the right way. And it’s paid off.” This statement reflects Mike’s focus on character development alongside athletic achievement, prioritizing values and personal growth over trophies and accolades.
Unlike many parents in Southern California’s competitive youth sports environment, Mike didn’t invest in private coaching, specialized training, or expensive equipment. Instead, he allowed Sam to explore different sports and find his own path. This approach helped Sam develop a genuine love for sports rather than feeling pressured to excel in a particular discipline.
The Darnold Family’s Athletic Legacy
The Darnold family’s athletic prowess extends beyond just Mike and Sam. Athletics is deeply ingrained in the family’s DNA, creating an environment where sports were a natural part of daily life rather than an imposed activity.
Chris Darnold: The Athletic Mother
Sam’s mother, Chris Darnold, is also an accomplished athlete. She played volleyball at Long Beach City College (LBCC) in California, bringing her own athletic perspective to Sam’s upbringing. Currently, Chris works as a physical education teacher at Shorecliffs Middle School, where she continues to promote physical activity and sports among young students.
Chris shares Mike’s philosophy about sports parenting, emphasizing enjoyment over pressure. She has been quoted saying, “We’ve always tried to keep things in perspective. Yes, our children have always loved playing sports. But around here, in this part of California, it too often becomes live and die. That’s a big mistake in my opinion. It has to be fun.” This balanced approach helped create a healthy relationship between Sam and sports, allowing him to develop his skills without the burden of excessive expectations.
Extended Family of Athletes
The athletic genes in the Darnold family extend to other members as well. Sam’s older sister Franki played volleyball at the University of Rhode Island, continuing the family tradition of collegiate athletics. Additionally, three of Sam’s cousins—Allie, Michele, and A.J.—participated in collegiate volleyball, further demonstrating the family’s athletic inclinations.
This extensive network of athletes within the family provided Sam with multiple role models and a supportive community that understood the challenges and rewards of competitive sports. It created an environment where athletic achievement was valued but not at the expense of personal development and enjoyment.
Mike’s Influence on Sam’s Career Development
Mike Darnold’s influence on Sam’s career goes beyond genetics and family tradition. His approach to parenting and sports has significantly shaped Sam’s development as both an athlete and a person.
Multi-Sport Approach
One of the most significant aspects of Mike’s influence was encouraging Sam to participate in multiple sports rather than specializing early. Under Mike’s guidance, Sam played basketball, volleyball, and baseball in addition to football during his formative years. This multi-sport approach helped Sam develop a diverse set of athletic skills and prevented early burnout.
At San Clemente High School, Sam excelled in both basketball and football before eventually choosing to focus on football at USC. This broad athletic foundation contributed to his versatility as a quarterback, enhancing his footwork, spatial awareness, and overall athleticism.
Building Character and Humility
Mike and Chris Darnold raised Sam with strong values, emphasizing humility and character over athletic achievements. This foundation has helped Sam navigate the pressures of professional sports with grace and resilience.
Mike’s pride in his son is evident, but it extends beyond Sam’s athletic accomplishments. When Sam was selected as the third overall pick by the Jets in the 2018 NFL draft, Mike expressed his amazement at his son’s position: “One day you open your eyes and it’s, ‘Holy cow, your son is in this position. I mean, it’s crazy, right? Crazy, crazy, crazy—one in a million.'” This reaction reflects a father who appreciates his son’s achievements without taking them for granted.
Father-Son Relationship
The bond between Mike and Sam Darnold is strong and mutually respectful. Sam has publicly acknowledged his father’s influence and support on several occasions. In 2021, Sam shared a throwback picture with his father on Instagram for Father’s Day with the caption: “The best dad a kid could ask for. Happy Father’s Day, pops!!” This public display of affection demonstrates the close relationship they maintain despite Sam’s busy professional schedule.
Mike continues to be one of Sam’s biggest supporters, attending games and providing guidance when needed. However, he maintains the same hands-off approach that characterized Sam’s childhood, allowing his son to make his own decisions and learn from his experiences.
Lessons from Mike Darnold’s Parenting Approach
Mike Darnold’s parenting style offers valuable lessons for parents of young athletes, regardless of their children’s talent level. His approach emphasizes long-term development and personal growth over short-term success.
Letting Children Choose Their Path
One of the most important lessons from Mike’s approach is allowing children to choose their own path in sports. Rather than pushing Sam toward football because of his own background in the sport, Mike exposed him to various athletic opportunities and supported his explorations.
This approach helped Sam develop an intrinsic motivation for football rather than playing to please his parents. By the time Sam committed to football as his primary sport, it was his own decision based on genuine interest and aptitude.
Avoiding Early Specialization
Mike and Chris Darnold resisted the trend of early specialization that is common in youth sports today. Instead of having Sam focus exclusively on football from a young age, they encouraged him to play multiple sports throughout his childhood and adolescence.
Research supports this approach, suggesting that multi-sport athletes often develop better overall athleticism, experience less burnout, and have longer careers than early specialists. Sam’s success as a quarterback may be partially attributed to the diverse athletic skills he developed through playing basketball, volleyball, and other sports.
Creating a Balanced Perspective
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Mike’s parenting style was maintaining a balanced perspective on sports. While athletics were important in the Darnold household, they weren’t all-consuming. Mike and Chris emphasized education, character development, and family relationships alongside athletic achievement.
This balanced approach helped Sam develop into a well-rounded individual who could handle both success and setbacks with equanimity. It also protected him from the psychological pressure that often affects young athletes whose entire identity is tied to their performance in sports.
Mike Darnold’s Support Through Sam’s NFL Journey
As Sam transitioned from college to the NFL, Mike’s support remained constant, adapting to the new challenges his son faced at the professional level.
Supporting Through Transitions
Sam’s NFL career has included several transitions, from being drafted by the New York Jets in 2018 to later playing for the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and currently the Minnesota Vikings. Throughout these changes, Mike has provided steady support without interfering with Sam’s professional decisions.
These transitions can be challenging for any player, but having a supportive family foundation has helped Sam maintain his focus and resilience. Mike’s approach has been to offer support without adding pressure, allowing Sam to navigate his professional journey with confidence.
Pride in Sam’s Achievements
Mike takes genuine pride in Sam’s achievements, both on and off the field. When Sam was drafted third overall in 2018, Mike expressed his amazement at his son’s accomplishment, recognizing the rarity of such an opportunity. This pride comes from seeing his son succeed on his own terms rather than fulfilling parental expectations.
Mike’s pride extends beyond Sam’s athletic performance to his character and personal growth. The values that Mike and Chris instilled in Sam—humility, hard work, and resilience—continue to guide him through the ups and downs of his NFL career.
Continued Guidance
While Mike maintains his hands-off approach to Sam’s career, he continues to offer guidance when needed. His experience as a former football player gives him insight into the challenges Sam faces, allowing him to provide relevant advice without overstepping boundaries.
This balance of support and independence has helped Sam develop his own identity as a professional athlete while still benefiting from his father’s wisdom and experience.
The Impact of Mike and Chris Darnold’s Parenting Style
The parenting approach adopted by Mike and Chris Darnold has had a profound impact on Sam’s development and career trajectory. Their philosophy offers valuable insights for parents of young athletes.
Developing Intrinsic Motivation
By allowing Sam to explore different sports and find his own passion, Mike and Chris helped him develop intrinsic motivation—the desire to excel for personal satisfaction rather than external rewards or parental approval. This intrinsic motivation is crucial for long-term success and enjoyment in any field, particularly in the demanding world of professional sports.
Athletes who are intrinsically motivated tend to be more resilient in the face of setbacks, more committed to improvement, and more likely to enjoy their sport throughout their careers. Sam’s steady progression through high school, college, and into the NFL reflects this internal drive.
Building Resilience
The NFL can be a challenging environment, with intense scrutiny, high expectations, and frequent setbacks. Mike and Chris’s parenting style helped Sam develop the resilience needed to navigate these challenges.
By not shielding Sam from disappointment or failure during his developmental years, they allowed him to build coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills that serve him well as a professional athlete. This resilience has been evident as Sam has faced various challenges in his NFL career, including team changes and performance pressures.
Creating a Healthy Relationship with Sports
Perhaps the most significant impact of Mike and Chris’s approach is the healthy relationship with sports that Sam developed. Unlike many athletes who burn out or develop negative associations with their sport due to excessive pressure, Sam has maintained his passion for football throughout his journey.
This healthy relationship with sports is reflected in Sam’s playing style and demeanor. Teammates and coaches often comment on his calm approach to the game and his ability to maintain perspective even in high-pressure situations.
Sam Darnold’s NFL Career and Current Status
Sam Darnold’s journey from a multi-sport athlete to an NFL quarterback reflects the foundation laid by his parents, particularly his father Mike.
College Success at USC
Before entering the NFL, Sam had a standout college career at the University of Southern California (USC). After redshirting his first year, he was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 and became a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy in 2017. His performance at USC caught the attention of NFL scouts and set the stage for his professional career.
NFL Journey
Sam was selected as the third overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft. During his time with the Jets, he showed flashes of brilliance but also faced challenges typical of a young quarterback in a rebuilding team. In his rookie season, he started 13 games and finished with 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions for 2,865 yards.
After three seasons with the Jets, Sam was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. He spent two seasons with the Panthers before signing a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. In March 2024, Sam signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he currently plays.
Current Performance with the Minnesota Vikings
As of the 2024-2025 NFL season, Sam Darnold has been performing well with the Minnesota Vikings. In seven games played, he has completed 127 of 189 passes for a 67.2% completion rate. He has thrown for 1,610 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt, with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions, earning a passer rating of 107.2. Additionally, he has gained 106 rushing yards despite facing 21 sacks and has fumbled five times, losing two.
The Vikings are currently among the top contenders for Super Bowl LIX, and Sam’s performance has been a significant factor in their success. His ability to adapt to a new team and thrive under pressure reflects the resilience and adaptability that his parents helped him develop.
Lessons for Sports Parents from the Darnold Family
The Darnold family’s approach to raising an elite athlete offers valuable lessons for parents of young athletes at all levels.
Let Your Child Choose Their Sport
One of the clearest lessons from Mike and Chris Darnold is the importance of letting children choose their own sports path. While parents can expose children to different activities and provide opportunities, the ultimate decision should rest with the child. This approach fosters genuine passion and commitment rather than compliance.
Don’t Push Early Specialization
The multi-sport approach that benefited Sam is supported by research and expert recommendations. Most sports medicine specialists and youth development experts advise against early specialization, citing increased injury risks, burnout, and limited athletic development.
By allowing children to play multiple sports, parents help them develop diverse athletic skills, discover their true interests, and build a broader foundation for future success. Sam’s experience demonstrates how skills from basketball and other sports transferred to his football performance.
Maintain Perspective
Perhaps the most important lesson from Mike and Chris Darnold is maintaining perspective about youth sports. While athletic achievement can be valuable, it should not come at the expense of education, character development, or family relationships.
By emphasizing values like humility, hard work, and resilience over trophies and accolades, parents help children develop a healthy relationship with sports and prepare them for success in all areas of life.
Support Without Pressure
Mike and Chris provided unwavering support for Sam’s athletic endeavors without adding unnecessary pressure. This balance allowed Sam to take ownership of his development and learn from both successes and failures.
Parents can emulate this approach by focusing on effort and improvement rather than outcomes, celebrating the process of athletic development rather than just the results, and providing emotional support regardless of performance.
FAQs
What position did Michael Darnold play in college?
Michael Darnold played as an offensive lineman at the University of Redlands during his college football career.
How many children do Mike and Chris Darnold have?
Mike and Chris Darnold have two children: Sam Darnold and his older sister Franki, who played volleyball at the University of Rhode Island.
What is Mike Darnold’s parenting philosophy?
Mike Darnold believes in a hands-off approach that allows children to explore different sports and find their own path without excessive pressure or specialization.
Did Sam Darnold play other sports besides football?
Yes, Sam Darnold played multiple sports growing up, including basketball, volleyball, and baseball, before eventually focusing on football in college.
What team does Sam Darnold currently play for?
As of 2024, Sam Darnold plays quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL.
What was Sam Darnold’s college career like?
Sam Darnold played college football at USC, where he was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 and was a contender for the Heisman Trophy in 2017.
How has Sam Darnold performed in the 2024 NFL season?
In the 2024-2025 NFL season, Sam Darnold has completed 67.2% of his passes for 1,610 yards, with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games with the Minnesota Vikings.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
