‘I feel a similar vibe’: Gee Scott compares Sam Darnold’s future to Matt Hasselbeck’s success in Seattle
Mar 14, 2025, 3:00 PM
Sam Darnold (middle) speaks during his introductory press conference with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak (left) and head coach Mike Macdonald (right). (Photo: Lindsey Wasson, The Associated Press)
(Photo: Lindsey Wasson, The Associated Press)
During his introductory presser, newly signed quarterback Sam Darnold talked about his love for the 12s, shared his excitement about working with Klint Kubiak again and opened up about the bitter end to his career-best season last year — all while rocking a flannel fit for a 1990s Pearl Jam concert.
“I love him,” Gee Scott, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, told Charlie Harger on “Seattle’s Morning News.” “My man pulled up in a flannel yesterday; he looked good. He read the room. He knew the assignment: I’m going to the Pacific Northwest. He probably had a Starbucks cup off to the side. My man looks like he can say ‘Puyallup’ the right way. He looks like he can say ‘Enumclaw’ the right way. I am so excited about Sam Darnold.”
Darnold’s journey to Seattle has been nothing short of turbulent. Once the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, he netted a 13-25 record as a starter for the New York Jets before stints in Carolina and San Francisco — starting just 18 games in that three-year span.
It all flipped in 2024, however, when he used his one year playing for the Minnesota Vikings to churn out 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns (both fifth in the league), and a 102.5 passer rating (sixth in the league). He made his first career Pro Bowl that season.
“Matt Hasselbeck got his start at 26 years old. Sam Darnold got his start at 27 years old here in Seattle. I do feel a similar vibe,” Gee said. “Matt Hasselbeck, when he was in Green Bay, he was the third-string quarterback there. Then he comes to Seattle, and he gets that chance. I believe that they are very similar. I believe that these are two quarterbacks who have been through adversity early on in their careers, and they have the opportunity to be better for the rest of their careers. The best years are ahead for Sam Darnold.”
Listen to the full conversation here:
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Listen to “Seattle’s Morning News“ with Charlie Harger weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio. Subscribe to the podcast here.
