It was really difficult, really hard to witness that,” Justin Jefferson revealed his true feelings about Sam Darnold playing in the Super Bowl with the Seahawks 10 months after leaving the Vikings, sparking significant criticism from fans of both teams, on the USA Today Sports program.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson recently opened up about the emotional toll of watching his former quarterback, Sam Darnold, lead the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl LX. In an interview on USA Today’s Sports Seriously program, Jefferson expressed mixed feelings about Darnold’s remarkable journey to the biggest stage in football, just 10 months after departing Minnesota in free agency. The comments, delivered candidly, highlighted the bittersweet reality facing the Vikings’ star receiver and ignited a wave of reactions from fans across both fanbases.

Jefferson’s remarks came at a time when the NFL world is buzzing ahead of the February 8, 2026, showdown in Santa Clara, California, where Darnold and the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots. For Jefferson, a two-time All-Pro and one of the league’s premier playmakers, the sight of Darnold thriving elsewhere has been particularly challenging. “It’s definitely tough,” Jefferson said. “It’s tough to watch. I love that he’s in the Super Bowl. I’m happy for him. I want nothing but the best for him, especially the way his journey was at first. People doubting him.

People not giving him the respect. Now they’re giving him that respect. Now they’re seeing that he’s a top-tier quarterback in this league.”

The connection between Jefferson and Darnold was forged during the 2024 season, when Darnold stepped in as Minnesota’s starter and delivered a breakout performance. That year, Darnold guided the Vikings to a strong campaign, throwing for over 4,000 yards while establishing a potent rapport with Jefferson, who hauled in 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. The duo’s chemistry was evident, with Darnold frequently targeting Jefferson in critical situations, helping elevate both players’ profiles. Jefferson often credited the quarterback’s familiarity with the playbook and his ability to read defenses for unlocking the offense’s potential.

When Darnold hit free agency following the 2024 season, the Vikings opted not to pursue a long-term extension. Instead, they committed to developing second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the team’s first-round draft pick from the previous year, believing he represented the future under center. Darnold, seeking stability and a fresh opportunity, signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, where new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak envisioned him fitting seamlessly into a revamped scheme. The move came after Seattle traded away longtime starter Geno Smith, clearing the path for Darnold to take the reins.

In his first season with Seattle during 2025, Darnold built on his Vikings success. He completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, posting a 99.1 passer rating. The Seahawks finished with a 14-3 record, securing the top seed in the NFC. Darnold’s playoff performances further solidified his resurgence, including a standout NFC Championship Game outing against the Los Angeles Rams, where he threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns to punch Seattle’s ticket to the Super Bowl.

The achievement marked a stunning turnaround for a quarterback once labeled a bust after early struggles with the New York Jets.

For Jefferson and Vikings fans, the contrast could not be starker. Minnesota stumbled to a 9-8 record in 2025, missing the playoffs entirely amid inconsistent quarterback play from McCarthy and others. Jefferson’s own production dipped noticeably, with fewer catches, yards, and touchdowns compared to the Darnold-led campaign. In the USA Today interview, Jefferson did not shy away from addressing the what-if scenario. When asked if the Vikings might have reached the Super Bowl had Darnold stayed, he responded affirmatively. “Yeah, I mean, for sure. Definitely,” he said.

“Everyone knows the difficulty of the quarterback position this year, of how we were dealt it. But having a quarterback that’s already had a season under his belt with us, knew the plays, knew the playbook, knew the players, throwing to me, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, all these guys, I definitely feel like we would’ve done better. But it is what it is, it’s on to newer and better things. But I’m definitely happy and proud of him that he is able to reach it this year.”

The comments struck a nerve. Vikings supporters expressed frustration over the front office’s decision to let Darnold walk, with some pointing to the firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as indirect fallout from the quarterback controversy. Critics argued that retaining Darnold could have sustained the momentum from 2024 and positioned Minnesota as a legitimate contender. Meanwhile, Seahawks fans celebrated Darnold’s validation, viewing Jefferson’s remarks as confirmation of their quarterback’s value. Some accused Jefferson of sour grapes or undermining his current team by dwelling on the past.

Jefferson balanced his regret with genuine support for his former teammate. He emphasized rooting for Darnold and predicted a Seahawks victory in the Super Bowl. “Of course, selfishly, I wish that he could’ve done that for us last year, but to see him blossom and bounce back right after last year and make it this year, I’m happy for him,” he added. “I hope he wins, I think Seattle’s gonna win.”

The episode underscores the unforgiving nature of professional football, where personnel decisions can reshape careers and legacies overnight. Darnold’s path from doubted starter to Super Bowl quarterback exemplifies resilience and reinvention. For Jefferson, watching from afar serves as a poignant reminder of untapped potential in Minnesota. As the league turns its attention to Super Bowl LX, the narrative of what might have been in Minnesota lingers, even as Jefferson focuses forward. He remains one of the game’s elite talents, poised for another strong season, but the sting of seeing a proven collaborator succeed elsewhere is undeniable.

In the end, Jefferson’s honesty reflects a deeper truth: success in the NFL often hinges on timing, trust, and the right fit—elements that aligned perfectly for Darnold in Seattle, leaving his old team to ponder the road not taken.