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The Super Bowl averaged 127.7 million viewers on FOX last year, from die-hard NFL fans to casual partygoers enjoying the “Big Game.”
While some know the
“Sam Darnold is that story,” Hanson told Pak Gazette Digital of the Seahawks’ starting quarterback.
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NFL Network’s Scott Hanson speaks on stage during day three of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Human interest isn’t always the starting quarterback of one of the teams playing, but given Darnold’s journey to get to this point in his career, Hanson feels that anyone who “has no horse in the race” has to root for him.
“Sam Darnold, sidelined, fired. Every NFL player has felt that at some point in their life,” Hanson said, while talking about his enthusiasm for Lowe’s “Earn Your Sunday Belt.” “Every human being who listens to me has had someone in their life tell them, ‘You’re not good enough. You can’t do it. We tried, it didn’t work. Goodbye.’ Whether it’s at work, a relationship or whatever.
“Sam Darnold has found a way to overcome it, block out the criticism and play his best football when it matters most.”
‘NFL REDZONE HOST SCOTT HANSON EXPLAINS WHY THE LX PATRIOTS-SEAHAWKS SUPER BOWL GAME IS THE ‘HOPE BOWL’
When Darnold was coming out of USC in the 2018 NFL Draft, he was a potential first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns. Instead, after the Browns selected Baker Mayfield, Darnold was selected by the New York Jets third overall to be their hopeful franchise savior.
The Jets hadn’t made the playoffs in almost a decade, but Darnold was supposed to be the guy to get them out of that jam. Unfortunately, for him and the Jets, that never happened.
Darnold’s time in New York lasted just three seasons before general manager Joe Douglas sent him to the Carolina Panthers, ending a rollercoaster run that could have been the end of his initial days in the league.
But Darnold overcame adversity, as Hanson noted. After 17 starts for the Panthers over two seasons, his contract was not renewed and he was looking for his next opportunity. It was the San Francisco 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan who brought in Darnold, and he ultimately beat out Trey Lance for the backup role to Brock Purdy, another funny story given his rise from Mr. Irrelevant as the latest NFL Draft pick to a Super Bowl-playing quarterback.
Sam Darnold of the Carolina Panthers throws before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Darnold has talked about how the 49ers got him back on track, and that was clearly the case after joining the Minnesota Vikings last season.
“Consecutive 14-win seasons for two different teams and playing in the biggest game of his life,” Hanson said, referring to what Darnold did for the Vikings in their 14-3 season. “First quarterback to start a Super Bowl since USC. Think about the great history of the Trojans. No USC quarterback has ever started a Super Bowl.”
When Darnold joined the Seahawks, he told Pak Gazette Digital in May 2025 that he felt like he was the right fit, especially given his relationship with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak during their time together in San Francisco. It seems poetic that both will be back in Santa Clara in two weeks for the biggest game in American sports.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold raises the winner’s trophy with Michael Strahan, left, after a victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL football game for the NFC championship, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Darnold is a great story about being true to yourself, understanding that you have the talent, and making the best of every situation, good or bad.
“Even Jets fans have to say, ‘You know what, Sam? We picked you to win championships over the New England Patriots. Go out on Super Bowl Sunday and do just that, even if you’re wearing the JETS in front of your chest,'” Hanson said. “I think it’s a fantastic human interest story, and if you don’t have any horses in the race, why not support Sam Darnold to have a great Super Bowl Sunday?”
WIN SUPER BOWL SUNDAY WITH LOWE’S
All season long, Lowe’s has been finding ways to help NFL fans “win their Sundays,” and their best way for Super Bowl LX is something Hanson is very excited about.
The “Earn Your Sunday Bucket Belt” looks like a regular tool belt that would fit a five-gallon Lowe’s bucket, but Hanson wants to see snacks, drinks, grilling tools and more for the Big Game.
Lowe’s introduces the Bucket Belt ahead of this year’s Super Bowl LX showdown between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. (Lowe’s)
Game day essentials have been reinvented and Hanson believes everyone should have one by February 8th.
“In theory, it’s for all your tools. But on Super Bowl Sunday, it’s drinks and snacks. The only tools we want to see there are grilling tools,” Hanson said. “Here you attach a strap to the top of the bucket and you can fill it with ice for your favorite drinks. There are some football treats and you’ll win your Super Bowl on Sunday and enjoy Super Bowl LX Lowe’s style.”
The Bucket Belt can be purchased now exclusively for MyLowe’s Rewards and MyLowe’s Pro Rewards members.
