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Horizon Insight News

Sam Darnold - Age, Family, Bio

Author

James Holden

Updated on February 19, 2026

Quarterback who was selected third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played college football at USC and led the Trojans to the 2017 Rose Bowl, clinching a victory over Penn State

Before Fame

He played both basketball and football at San Clemente High School.

Trivia

He was the 2016 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and also won the Archie Griffin Award that season.

Family Life

Both his father Mike and grandfather played college football. His mom is a physical education teacher and his sister Franki played college volleyball at the University of Rhode Island. His other grandfather is former Marlboro Man, actor and USC athlete Dick Hammer. 

Associated With

He redshirted his freshman year at USC after sitting behind Cody Kessler and Max Browne on the depth chart.