Feb. 14, 2026 4 AM PT 1 Pat Haden, Vince Evans, Sean Salisbury, Rodney Peete, Matt Cassel, Todd Marinovich, Rob Johnson, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Mark Sanchez, and Caleb Williams represent a distinguished lineage of USC quarterbacks who achieved significant NFL careers, yet none were able to secure a Super Bowl victory. It is with great pleasure that we extend congratulations to Sam Darnold, becoming the first quarterback from USC to claim the coveted Super Bowl title.
Darnold's Championship Journey
Many will fondly recall Sam Darnold’s exceptional performance in the 2017 Rose Bowl against Penn State, a game where he showcased the heart of a true champion as a redshirt freshman. Dave Ring, from Manhattan Beach, aptly described Darnold’s path to the championship as a narrative worthy of Hollywood, a testament to the unpredictable nature of success in both football and life. Remarkably, Darnold has now surpassed the Super Bowl achievements of his entire 2017 draft class – including Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson – combined.
Halftime Show Controversy & NFL Globalization
The Super Bowl LXI halftime show featuring Bad Bunny sparked debate among viewers. Mark S. Roth, of Playa Vista, acknowledged differing tastes in music, suggesting acceptance of artistic diversity. However, David Tulanian, from Henderson, Nevada, criticized Roger Goodell’s push for NFL globalization, arguing the all-Spanish performance detracted from celebrating American football as a uniquely American spectacle and risked alienating its core fanbase.
The Value of Specialists & Competitive Balance
Discussion also centered on the recognition of specialist players. Despite Jason Myers of Seattle kicking five field goals for 17 points in Super Bowl LX’s 29-13 victory over New England, he was overlooked for the Super Bowl MVP award. This prompted questions about whether kickers and punters receive adequate acknowledgment for their contributions, given the sport’s very name references the “foot” in football.
Beyond Football: MLB & NBA Perspectives
Elsewhere, opinions were shared on broader sporting issues. John Merryman, from Redondo Beach, advocated for a salary cap and/or floor in Major League Baseball to level the playing field for smaller market teams like the A’s and Pirates. In the NBA, Ken Clayman, of Calabasas, nominated Kawhi Leonard as the league’s most valuable player, citing his exceptional all-around performance. Finally, concerns were raised regarding Casey Wasserman’s involvement with the 2028 Olympics given revelations about his association with Ghislaine Maxwell.
