Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is heading to the 2026 Super Bowl LX, and while he might not have the exotic car collection of Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady, he’s got one of the most memorable automotive stories in NFL history.
Picture this: December 2018, a rookie quarterback walks out to the parking lot after practice, ready to head home in his Toyota SUV. But there’s a problem – his car is sitting on blocks with both front wheels completely gone.
Seven years later, that same “simple guy” who drove a Toyota is now heading to the biggest game in football. Talk about a redemption story!
Quick Answer
Sam Darnold’s car collection is famously modest—he’s known for driving a Toyota SUV (possibly a 4Runner) rather than exotic supercars. His automotive story is defined by a memorable rookie hazing prank where his offensive linemen removed both front wheels from his Toyota . He’s also been associated with a custom Disneyland roadster, golf carts, and a Panthers-branded cart after an injury.
Who Is Sam Darnold?
Sam Darnold played college football at USC, throwing for over 7,200 yards and 57 touchdowns in two seasons as a starter . He was the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, and after stints with the Panthers and 49ers, he had a breakout 2024 season with the Vikings . He signed with the Seahawks in March 2025 and led them to Super Bowl LX .
The Toyota 4Runner SUV – And The Infamous Wheel Removal
The most famous vehicle in Sam Darnold’s car collection isn’t famous for what it is – it’s famous for what happened to it.
Back in December 2018, during Darnold’s rookie season with the Jets, he made the mistake of giving his offensive linemen Christmas gifts that didn’t quite match expectations. Remember, this was a guy with a fully guaranteed $30.25 million rookie contract, so the O-line had higher hopes.
Their revenge? They completely removed both front wheels from his Toyota SUV and left it sitting on blocks in the parking lot at the Jets’ Atlantic Health Training Center.
Jets safety Jamal Adams captured the whole prank on video and posted it to Instagram, showing Darnold’s vehicle propped up and helpless. The linemen – center Corey Linsley, guards Spencer Long and James Carpenter, and tackles Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell – clearly felt the gifts didn’t measure up.
The incident perfectly captures Darnold’s personality – even with millions in the bank, he was driving a practical Toyota, not a Ferrari or Lamborghini like many other first-round NFL picks.
The Disneyland Roadster (Rose Bowl 2017)
After leading USC to a thrilling Rose Bowl victory over Penn State in 2017, Darnold celebrated during Rose Bowl week by visiting Disneyland’s California Adventure, where he was photographed riding in one of the custom-designed vintage collector cars from the Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters exhibit in Cars Land.
The bright orange Italian-style roadster from the fictional town of Radiator Springs was just one of several vehicles Darnold rode in during the Rose Bowl parade festivities – a fitting celebration for a quarterback who had just put on one of the greatest performances in Rose Bowl history.
The Injury Golf Cart Ride (August 2022)
In August 2022, Darnold suffered a high ankle sprain during a preseason game with the Carolina Panthers against the Buffalo Bills and had to be helped into a custom Panthers-branded golf cart by medical staff for transport back to the locker room.
It’s the kind of four-wheeled ride no quarterback wants to experience – helmet still on, leg extended, surrounded by concerned teammates and medical personnel. He recovered from the injury and continued his NFL journey, eventually landing with the Seahawks for his Super Bowl run.
Golf Course Golf Carts – Darnold’s True Love
Darnold is a serious golfer. In July 2025, he competed in the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Nevada, finishing in 46th place.
He’s regularly spotted on golf courses with his best friend, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The two were in the 2018 NFL Draft together and have remained close ever since, appearing in Bob Does Sports golf videos and attending The Masters at Augusta National in April 2025.
The “Simple Guy” Philosophy
Back in 2018, when Darnold was just entering the NFL, he described himself as a “simple guy” who wasn’t planning to spend lavishly on things like jewelry or exotic cars. That philosophy seems to have stuck with him through his NFL journey.
Even now, as he heads to Super Bowl LX, there’s no public information about Darnold owning a garage full of exotic vehicles. He seems to maintain that same low-key, practical approach to his automotive choices.
Sam Darnold’s Net Worth and Earnings
Sam Darnold has earned significant money throughout his NFL career. His rookie contract with the Jets was worth $30.25 million fully guaranteed. After bouncing around the league, his breakout 2024 season with the Vikings led to a lucrative deal with the Seahawks in 2025.
His current net worth is estimated to be around $25-30 million, with career earnings exceeding $40 million from NFL contracts alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of car does Sam Darnold drive?
Sam Darnold is known for driving a practical Toyota SUV, possibly a Toyota 4Runner. He has not been seen driving exotic sports cars like many other NFL quarterbacks.
Why was Sam Darnold’s car put on blocks?
In December 2018, Darnold’s offensive linemen with the New York Jets removed both front wheels from his Toyota SUV as a prank in response to disappointing Christmas gifts.
Is Sam Darnold a golfer?
Yes, Darnold is a serious golfer. He competed in the American Century Championship in July 2025 and regularly plays golf with his best friend, Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.
Did Sam Darnold win Super Bowl LX?
Yes, Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl LX, throwing for 202 yards and a touchdown while avoiding turnovers.
What is Sam Darnold’s net worth?
Sam Darnold’s net worth is estimated to be around $25-30 million.
Conclusion
Sam Darnold’s car collection might not rival Patrick Mahomes’ Ferraris or Tom Brady’s Bugatti, but his automotive story is just as interesting. From the infamous wheel-removal prank with his Toyota SUV to his countless hours in golf carts on NFL fields and golf courses, Darnold has maintained his “simple guy” philosophy even as his NFL career has soared.
Now, as a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, one thing is certain: whether he’s driving a Toyota or sitting in a golf cart at Augusta National, Sam Darnold’s journey from rookie hazing victim to Super Bowl-winning quarterback is one for the ages.