Sam Darnold is an American professional football quarterback. He was born on June 5, 1997, in San Clemente, California. Darnold played college football at the University of Southern California (USC), where he gained recognition for his strong arm and playmaking ability. He was selected third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. During his time with the Jets, Darnold faced challenges, including injuries and inconsistent performance. In 2021, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he continued to develop his skills. Darnold is known for his competitive nature and potential as a starting quarterback in the NFL.