Sam Darnold Declares: 'Failure is Not the End, It's a Stepping Stone to Fight Harder

In a candid and powerful statement following the Seattle Seahawks' narrow loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, quarterback Sam Darnold revealed his unwavering mindset in the face of adversity. The game ended in a heart-wrenching 38-35 defeat, but Darnold’s words have resonated with his teammates and fans alike, underscoring the resilience and determination that define his approach to the game.

"Failure is not the end," Darnold stated. "It’s a stepping stone for me to rise and fight harder. Every time I fall, I get closer to my goal. I won’t stop until we win."

These words aren’t just a reflection of his personal philosophy; they echo the resilience that is needed to overcome the setbacks that come with any challenging season.

Despite throwing two costly interceptions in the game, including a critical red-zone interception, Darnold’s leadership remains steadfast. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns, showing flashes of brilliance, especially in the first half when he connected with his wide receivers for several big plays. However, mistakes in key moments ultimately sealed the Seahawks' fate, but Darnold's approach to the game and to adversity speaks volumes about his character.

"I won’t let this define me," Darnold continued. "Every loss is a lesson, and I’m committed to making sure we learn from this and grow stronger as a team. We’ve got what it takes to turn this around, and I’m not giving up."

For Darnold, it’s about more than just stats and numbers; it’s about the collective strength of the team and the belief that hard work and perseverance will lead them to victory. His confidence, despite the defeat, is contagious, and it sets the tone for the rest of the season. With the Seahawks at 2-3, Darnold’s mentality is exactly what the team needs to continue pushing forward.

In a league full of ups and downs, Sam Darnold’s leadership shows that even in defeat, growth is possible. “I’m here to win,” Darnold emphasized. “And I’ll keep fighting until we get there.”

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun calls Panthers-Lightning a ‘gong show’ after 16 ejections, 312 penalty minutes

The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning continued their fierce rivalry in what NHL insider Pierre LeBrun called a "gong show."

The Sunshine State Showdown between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning is continuing to heat up as one of the NHL’s fastest-growing rivalries.

Even if it was just a preseason game, Florida and Tampa Bay combined for 16 ejections and 312 penalty minutes on Saturday night. The Panthers came away with a 7-0 win in front of their home fans in Sunrise, Fla. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun called the game a “gong show” after it was all said and done.

Two Tampa Bay players were fined in the aftermath of Saturday night’s clash.

Lightning forward Gage Goncalves was fined $3,125.00 for cross-checking Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues 10:09 into the second period. He was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for the hit.

Roman Schmidt was also assessed a $2,098.52 fine for cross-checking Florida forward Carter Verhaeghe 7:13 into the game. As Goncalves was, he was also assessed a five-minute major penalty and a match penalty on the play.

The NHL Department of Player Safety also announced that Lightning players Scott Sabourin and J.J. Moser are set to have hearings, which could lead to suspensions at a later date.

Both fines were the maximum penalty allowable for each player per the NHL and the NHLPA’s collective bargaining agreement.

There were some odd moments that came from this game as well.

Florida had a goal get removed from its total five minutes after it happened because it was discovered that recently extended Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola assisted on the goal despite getting ejected from the game.

When the game was over, Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky had a funny remark about the game.

“I think in preseason it’s better to play hockey,” he told reporters according to Florida rinkside reporter Katie Engleson.

That Saturday night clash was the final of the preseason for both teams as they gear up for the start of the NHL season on Oct. 7. Florida will raise its second of back-to-back Stanley Cup banners in the NHL’s season first game at 5 p.m. EST on Tuesday.

Florida and Tampa Bay will renew their rivalry next on Saturday, Nov. 15 in Sunrise at Amerant Bank Arena.

Sport

Sam Darnold Declares: 'Failure is Not the End, It's a Stepping Stone to Fight Harder – I Won’t Stop Until We Win!'

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun calls Panthers-Lightning a ‘gong show’ after 16 ejections, 312 penalty minutes