After a stellar bounce-back season with the Minnesota Vikings, including a Pro Bowl selection, former USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold has been announced as a finalist for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings were one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season, entering the playoffs with a 14-3 record. Darnold took over the staring quarterback duties in his first year with the organization and had the best season of his career.

Sam Darnold’s shaky finish shouldn’t ruin his impressive season or impact his future. Several NFL teams need a franchise quarterback and Darnold proved he can be that guy in Minnesota, becoming the first quarterback to record 14 wins in his first season with a team.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has been named the 2024 Most Improved Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). It isn't an official NFL award — though it arguably should be — but this is a cool honor for Darnold nonetheless.

The Minnesota Vikings got an exceptional year from Sam Darnold, and he's starting to win awards for his performance.

The Minnesota Vikings' 2024 season was remarkable for many reasons. They finished 14-3, head coach Kevin O'Connell earned the first of many Coach of the Year awards, and multiple players have received All-Pro and Pro Bowl nominations.