The end of the 2024-25 season has been a time of clarity and exploration for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Away from the US Bank Stadium, the Vikings QB is recharging after a grueling season, taking it easy and slow. There is no age to start doing something new, especially if it piques your interest, and Darnold certainly has found his amusement.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Well, it’s not exactly the commonest of hobbies you have heard of. But, to be honest, it does make sense, and it’s definitely a quirky one for sure, which is making even his girlfriend chuckle. But what is it?
Well, Sam Darnold has an app on his phone that can identify bird sounds and tell him which bird it is. So, if the app is open when a bird chirps, it will display the bird’s name – kinda like the Shazam App for birds. Well, is it weird? Obviously not. Who hasn’t in his/her lifetime at least once wondered what bird chirp it was? It’s just being in tune with nature. If anything, Our Sam Darnold is just a little bit of a bird enthusiast. We think he is fascinated by the chirping and the melodious tunes that the birds fill the air with.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In fact, the Viking QB has already become quite knowledgeable by using the app, judging by his being able to identify a mockingbird’s sound before the app could identify it. “Doesn’t know if they are mockingbirds?” was Sam’s cheeky response.
Step 1 of 8
Quiz of the day
3:00left
Which award did Sam Darnold win during the 2024-25 NFL season?
NFL Rookie of the Year
NFL Most Valuable Player
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
NFL Most Improved Player
How about a new page to enjoy quizzes and engage with the community?
Yes, I'm in!
No, thanks
This season-end, Sam Darnold is just soaking in nature, increasing his bird chirp vocabulary, and getting ready, as the plot for the new season drama is already set up, vis-a-vis his future with Vikings.
Sam Darnold has already made great memories with the Vikings
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The 27-year-old has been in the NFL since 2018, being a 1st round pick 3 for the New York Jets. He had gone through a lot of ups and downs, after which he signed with the Vikings in 2024. The 2024-25 season saw Darnold perform beyond expectations which landed him the NFL Most Improved Player award as well as a Pro Bowl selection. He is also in contention for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award, thanks to his authoritative display that helped the Vikings win 14 games.
via Imago
They even were on a 9-match winning streak before 2 crucial losses undid every good thing Darnold had done in the season. His performance in the 9-27 defeat to Los Angeles Rams was appalling, being sacked 9 times. Now, the Vikings are contemplating if they should just let go of him. He will be in free agency when the 2025-26 campaign officially kicks in. There’s no news on what the Vikings will do. Will they offer him a contract? Going the Franchise route seems way too expensive. That will cost the Vikes 41 million dollars. Moreover, there’s another young QB, J. J. McCarthy at Vikings’ disposal too. That leaves Darnold having to fend for himself.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, Sam Darnold is unfazed, as he recently made a post on Instagram reminiscing about his time with the Vikings and the connections he has made. Does that mean he knows he’s gonna be let go? Or is it that he wants Vikings to know how great the journey has been with them and wants to continue with the Purple and Gold?
Whatever it may be, it’s up to the Vikings management. The ball is with them, and it’s fourth down. As for Mr. Darnold, he’s trying to learn as many bird voices as he can.
