Seahawks QB Sam Darnold battled a hidden injury to secure the Super Bowl victory. Now, he’s aggressively pursuing full recovery for a strong title defense.
Even as the celebrations from Super Bowl LX continue to echo through the Pacific Northwest, one of the biggest stories from Seattle’s championship run is quietly unfolding behind the scenes.
Seahawks franchise quarterback Sam Darnold didn’t just lead the team to a Lombardi Trophy, he did it while battling an injury that went mostly under the radar. And now, just a few weeks after the Super Bowl win, he’s already taking serious steps toward a full recovery.
During the playoff run that culminated in Seattle’s decisive victory over the New England Patriots, Darnold was reportedly managing a left oblique injury that he suffered during mid-January practice. The setback — which typically requires anywhere from two to eight weeks of healing — didn’t stop him from playing at a high level when it mattered most. Despite the discomfort, Darnold completed a strong percentage of his passes and delivered clutch performances in the NFC Championship and Super Bowl.
Now that the season is over, his focus has shifted to recovery — and he’s not taking a slow, passive approach. Motus Physical Therapy, a well-respected rehab organization with experience working with elite athletes, has shared footage of Darnold actively working with founder Drew Morcos on specific rehabilitation movements designed to strengthen his core and address the lingering effects of the oblique issue.
The videos show Darnold engaged in dynamic exercises that go far beyond simple rest and ice, suggesting the quarterback is committed to returning to full strength well before the start of the 2026 season.
Playing through pain is nothing new for NFL quarterbacks, and Darnold now joins a list of signal-callers who have powered through injuries to bring home championships. His ability to lead the Seahawks to a title while limited physically only enhances his reputation among teammates and opponents alike.
As Seattle transitions from celebration to preparation for another title defense, the early signs are promising. With focused rehab and elite support, Darnold appears to be putting himself in the best position to enter next season healthy and ready to defend the crown.
Not only did Darnold show this past season that he was not a bust like some thought, he also showed his willingness to do absolutely anything and everything to put his team over the top.