Overview
- Before Thursday’s game at Empower Field at Mile High, Sherman hugged several Seahawks players but did not hug quarterback Sam Darnold and told reporters, “Sam Darnold got to earn a hug at this point,” according to The Seattle Times as quoted by local outlets.
- The remark was reported while the Broncos game was in progress and came as Darnold showed early struggles, completing 5-of-10 passes for 32 yards in the opening stages of the contest.
- Darnold’s 2026 regular-season numbers have been modest, averaging about 188.8 passing yards per game with seven touchdowns and five interceptions through four starts.
- Those regular-season struggles contrast with Darnold’s playoff form last season when he helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl, outplayed Matthew Stafford in the NFC title game, and threw no interceptions in the postseason.
- The exchange has become a developing storyline that fans and media are watching for its potential to motivate Darnold, shift team morale, and shape how Seattle handles questions about its quarterback moving forward.