Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will be playing on his sport’s biggest stage — and he might have basketball to thank for it?
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. Nick Wass / AP
In an age of sports specialization, with elite young athletes being increasingly pushed to concentrate on just one craft, Darnold said putting down the pigskin in favor of the roundball every winter played a key role in his development.
His tape as a basketball player at San Clemente High School, in California, helped draw interest from USC football recruiters, who were impressed with his overall athleticism.
“I feel like playing multiple sports was huge for me,” the 6-foot-3 Darnold told reporters at the team’s headquarters in San Jose. “I loved playing basketball. I always say basketball was kind of my first love, especially being close to L.A. and (late basketball legend) Kobe (Bryant) being a huge inspiration.”
He added: “So yeah, I love basketball and I’m just grateful that USC saw that film and was able to offer me (a scholarship) for football.”