Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl Win Ended Up Costing Him Money
Despite a big Super Bowl victory Sunday night, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold may actually come out behind financially. Due to California’s tax laws, he is reportedly set to owe more than the $178,000 he earned for helping Seattle secure a 29–13 win over the Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl Win Comes With a $249K California Tax Bill
Sam Darnold celebrated his first-ever Super Bowl victory Sunday night as the Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29–13 in Santa Clara, Calif.
However, the win comes with a hefty price: according to Sportico, Darnold faces a $249,000 tax bill to California. The large sum is a result of the state’s “jock taxes,” which require professional athletes who don’t reside in California to pay a portion of their income based on the number of days they work in the state.
Sam Darnold Faces $249K California Tax Bill After Super Bowl Victory
Following the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win Sunday, Sam Darnold is reportedly set to owe California around $249,000 in taxes.
The fees are tied to the state’s “duty days,” a system that taxes visiting athletes based on the number of days they work in California. After arriving in Northern California on February 1, Darnold and his teammates racked up eight duty days by playing in Santa Clara on Sunday night.
The Seahawks are expected to face even higher California tax obligations in 2026, as they have multiple games scheduled in the state next season.
Sam Darnold Will Lose $71K Despite Super Bowl Win, Thanks to California Taxes
Sam Darnold, who is in the middle of a three-year, $105 million contract with the Seahawks, will reportedly lose around $71,000 from his Super Bowl earnings due to California taxes, Sportico reports.
Still, judging by how Darnold celebrated Sunday night, it seems like a tab he won’t mind paying for his first-ever Lombardi Trophy.
