Sam Darnold's Father Mike Darnold Called Himself a 'Proud Patriotic American'
Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Sam Darnold's Father, Mike Darnold, has proudly worked in the trades as a plumber.
Michael Darnold, who is a fixture at his son's football games, discussed his job as a "medical gas plumber for nearly 30 years" at an event for Lowe's Foundation that was also attended by his son. The event featured a national signing day in which thousands of students signed up for skilled trades careers.
"As I look back on my experience as a tradesperson, I found an extreme source of pride in providing products and services to countless hospitals and medical facilities over the years," he added. According to People, Sam Darnold has had "unwavering support from his parents," Michael and Chris Darnold. Michael Darnold frequently praises his son's career successes on his Instagram page, where he showcases his own work with youth and the Rotary Club.
"I am a proud patriotic American and blessed to be a guest for Pendleton Change of Command with fellow Rotarians," Mike Darnold wrote in January.
Mike Darnold Told a Group of Students That He Prides Himself on His 'Dependability'
At the Lowe's event, Darnold's dad told the students that he was proud of "my dependability – being early, willing to stay late, doing whatever it took to finish the job right."
He then connected that trait to his son's success in the NFL. "This mindset made me a valuable contributor for my company and customers, which became an example to both of our children, as we witnessed in Sam’s athletic career over the years," Mike Darnold said. "Again, I wish you all the same success and rewards that I've experienced in the trades. It’s a journey well worth traveling."
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) Sam Darnold
Mike and Chris Darnold opened up about Sam's childhood to Sports Illustrated, describing their first house in Capistrano Beach. "Chris was an aspiring P.E. teacher in San Clemente who waited tables at Corky’s," the site says.
Sam Darnold's 'Threw So Hard' as Early as Third Grade, His Mom Said
Michael and Chris had two children together, Sam and his sister, Franki. According to SI, Sam's arm strength was obvious early on. "As a sophomore at San Clemente High, he played linebacker and wide receiver," the site added.
“He was so naturally gifted, it was crazy,” Chris told the Bleacher Reportin August 2017. “I had to stop playing catch with him when he was in the third grade; he threw so hard."
Mike Darnold frequently expresses support for his son on Instagram. "So proud of this amazing young man. Go Hawks!" he wrote before the Super Bowl, sharing a photo of his son.
"Super Bowl is just getting started," he wrote, sharing a video showing NFL cheerleaders.
"Sammy’s going to the Super Bowl," the proud dad wrote in another Instagram post. He appears to be heavily involved in service activities with youth, according to his Instagram page.