As of January 18, 2026, how old is Sam Darnold is a key point for NFL fans tracking his role with the Seattle Seahawks. Sam Darnold is 28 years old. He was born on June 5, 1997 and will turn 29 in June 2026.
Sam Darnold’s age places him in what many consider the prime years for an NFL quarterback. At 28, he brings both experience and physical capability to one of the most crucial points of his professional career.
Sam Darnold’s Current NFL Situation
Sam Darnold, at 28 years old, is the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. In the 2025 season he played a central role in helping the Seahawks achieve a 14–3 regular-season record and secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. His performance included completing over 4,000 passing yards, throwing 25 touchdowns, and guiding Seattle’s offense through a demanding schedule.
As of mid-January 2026, Sam Darnold’s age and experience are being tested in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. He suffered a left oblique injury in practice just days before the Seahawks’ playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. The team listed him as questionable due to that injury.
Despite the setback, Darnold expressed confidence that he would be ready to play. He has participated in limited activities leading up to the game and took part in warmups, indicating a strong likelihood he will start, even if his effectiveness may be impacted by the injury. Backup quarterback Drew Lock has taken most of the first-team reps during practice in case Darnold is unable to play.
Why Sam Darnold’s Age Matters in the NFL
Understanding how old Sam Darnold is provides context for his current performance and expectations, especially as the Seahawks aim for a deep playoff run. Quarterbacks around 28 are often seen as experienced but still in their athletic prime. This age typically combines years of on-field learning with peak physical ability.
At 28:
- Darnold has played multiple seasons as an NFL starter.
- He has matured as a leader in the Seahawks locker room.
- He balances physical readiness with tactical experience, which is crucial in high-pressure games.
His age also matters to fans and analysts because it frames discussions about his career trajectory — especially whether this season might be his best chance to advance deeper in the playoffs.
Sam Darnold’s 2025 Performance at Age 28
Here is a snapshot of what Sam Darnold achieved during the 2025 regular season, the year he turned 28:
- Passing Yards: Over 4,000
- Touchdowns: 25
- Interceptions: 14
- Completion Percentage: Around 67%
These numbers show that at 28, Darnold produced one of the strongest statistical seasons of his career, helping to lift the Seahawks into a top playoff position.
Sam Darnold’s NFL Journey by Age
Sam Darnold’s path to age 28 includes several turns across the league:
- Drafted third overall in 2018 — he began his NFL career with high expectations.
- Played for multiple teams before landing with Seattle.
- By 28, he has established himself as a proven starter with playoff experience.
His career has featured ups and downs, but his age now corresponds with both stability and leadership in a critical role for Seattle.
Injury and Playoff Impact at Age 28
Sam Darnold’s age and accumulated experience are now frontline talking points because of his recent oblique injury. Fans and media alike are watching closely to see how his condition affects Seattle’s playoff prospects. At 28, players are typically expected to handle adversity and adapt under pressure, and Darnold has publicly expressed confidence that he will contribute after the injury.
Backup options are ready should Darnold be limited or unable to play. But as of early playoff action, his age and veteran status give the Seahawks a strategic edge if he stays on the field.
Age Comparison With Typical NFL Quarterbacks
In the NFL, quarterbacks often peak in their late 20s and early 30s. At 28 years old, Sam Darnold is within this typical prime window. Many elite quarterbacks excel between 27 and 32, a phase where physical skills align with deep understanding of game strategy and defensive reading.
Compared with younger signal-callers still developing or older veterans slightly past their peak, Darnold’s age makes him a balanced and valuable asset — especially in playoff settings where experience matters.
Fan Interest: “How Old Is Sam Darnold?”
The question “how old is Sam Darnold” trends periodically because age influences conversations about:
- Career milestones
- Market value in free agency
- Long-term potential and playoff prospects
- Leadership within his team
This curiosity reflects the broader fan engagement with player careers, especially when a quarterback is at the heart of a team’s success.
Conclusion
Sam Darnold is 28 years old as of January 2026. Born on June 5, 1997, he stands in what many view as the prime age range for an NFL quarterback. His age underscores his role as a veteran leader for the Seattle Seahawks and adds context to his performance and current injury challenge. Understanding how old Sam Darnold is highlights where he stands professionally as he leads one of the league’s top offenses and navigates crucial playoff moments.
Let us know how you think Sam Darnold’s age and experience will impact the Seahawks’ playoff run — drop your thoughts in the comments below!
