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The Super Bowl averaged 127.7 million viewers on FOX last year, ranging from die-hard NFL fans to casuals hanging out at a party enjoying the “Big Game.”
While some know the X’s and O’s more than others, there are usually plenty of human interest stories before kickoff, and “NFL RedZone” host Scott Hanson already knows the biggest of them all in the game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.
“Sam Darnold is that story,” Hanson told PK Press Club 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 that of the starting quarterback of one of the teams in play, but given Darnold’s journey to get to this point in his career, Hanson believes anyone who doesn’t have “a horse in the race” should support him.
“Sam Darnold, pushed aside, fired. Every NFL player has felt that way at some point in their life,” Hanson said, while also discussing his enthusiasm for Lowe’s “Earn Your Sunday Bucket 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, it didn’t work. Goodbye.’ Whether it’s at work, in a relationship, or anything else.
“Sam Darnold has found a way to rise above, block out the criticism and play his best football when it matters most.”
‘NFL REDZONE HOST SCOTT HANSON EXPLAINS WHY THE PATRIOTS-SEAHAWKS SUPER BOWL LX MATCHUP IS THE “HOPE BOWL”
When Darnold left USC in the 2018 NFL Draft, he was a potential first-round pick for the Cleveland Browns. Instead, after the Browns took Baker Mayfield, Darnold was selected by the New York Jets third overall to be their hopeful savior for the franchise.
The Jets hadn’t been to the playoffs in nearly a decade, but Darnold was supposed to be the guy to get them out of this mess. Unfortunately, for him and the Jets, that never happened.
Darnold’s stay in New York lasted just three seasons before general manager Joe Douglas sent him to the Carolina Panthers, ending a rollercoaster tenure that could have been the end of his early days in the league.
But Darnold overcame adversity, as Hanson pointed out. 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 role of Brock Purdy’s backup — another amusing story given his rise from Mr. Irrelevant as the last pick in the NFL draft to a quarterback playing in the Super Bowl.
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 talked about how the 49ers got him back on track, and that was clearly the case after he joined the Minnesota Vikings last season.
“Back-to-back 14-win seasons for two different teams and playing the biggest game of his life,” Hanson said, referring to what Darnold did for the Vikings during their 14-3 season. “The first ever USC quarterback to start a Super Bowl. Think about the great history of the Trojans. No USC quarterback has ever successfully started a Super Bowl.”
When Darnold joined the Seahawks, he told PK Press Club Digital in May 2025 that he felt it was the right fit, especially given his relationship with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak during their time together in San Francisco. It seems poetic that they’ll both 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 next to Michael Strahan, left, after a victory against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC NFL Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Darnold is a beautiful story about staying 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 drafted you to win championships against the New England Patriots. Go out there on Super Bowl Sunday and do just that, even if you’re wearing the JETS in front of your chest there,'” Hanson said. “I think it’s a fantastic human interest story, and if you don’t have a horse in the race, why not encourage Sam Darnold to have a great, great Super Bowl Sunday.”
WIN YOUR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY WITH LOWE’S
Throughout the season, Lowe’s has found ways to help NFL fans “earn their Sundays,” and Hanson is very excited about their best way to participate in Super Bowl LX.
The “Earn Your Sunday Bucket Belt” looks like a regular tool belt that would go around a five-gallon Lowe’s bucket, but Hanson wants to see snacks, drinks, grilling tools and more for the Big Game.
Lowe’s is introducing the Bucket Belt ahead of this year’s Super Bowl LX game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. (Lowes)
Gameday essentials are being reimagined and Hanson thinks everyone should have one for February 8th.
“In theory, it’s for all your tools. But on Super Bowl Sunday, it’s the drinks, the snacks. The only tools are the grilling tools we want to see in there,” Hanson said. “Attach the bucket here, and you can fill it with ice for your favorite drinks. There are football giveaways and you’ll win your Super Bowl 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.
