Sam Darnold vs The Patriots: the story behind the ‘Seeing Ghosts’ viral moment

Sam Darnold’s name is etched in NFL history for many reasons, but few moments are remembered as humorously as the time he admitted he was “seeing ghosts” during a disastrous game against the New England Patriots. Captured in 2019, the phrase quickly became a viral meme and cemented itself in football culture, turning the young quarterback into an unwitting pop culture figure.

Now, with Darnold preparing to lead the Seattle Seahawks against the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, that memory has taken on new significance as a symbol of resilience and redemption.

Darnold and Jets suffer against Pats

The scene unfolded on a Monday Night Football matchup in the 2019-2020 season. The New York Jets arrived at MetLife Stadium hoping to challenge a historic rival. Instead, the game quickly spiraled into chaos.

New England’s defense, orchestrated by legendary coach Bill Belichick, dismantled the Jets’ offense with relentless pressure and airtight coverage. Darnold looked bewildered and disoriented in the pocket. After a series of mistakes that included multiple interceptions, he retreated to the sideline, sat down, and muttered for anyone listening, “I’m seeing ghosts.” The comment, captured by live microphones, immediately went viral.

The Patriots went on to win 33-0, one of the Jets’ worst losses in recent years. Darnold completed just 11 of 32 passes, threw four interceptions, and recorded one of the lowest quarterback ratings of his early career. “I had never experienced anything like that,” he said later about facing the Patriots’ defense.

The meaning of “seeing ghosts”

Darnold has consistently maintained that his comment wasn’t mystical. It was frustration boiled over in a game dominated by a superior opponent. In locker room slang, “seeing ghosts” describes a situation where a player perceives threats that aren’t really there, especially when facing an aggressive defense.

Over the years, the phrase became a running joke among teammates, rivals, and commentators. Yet, Darnold has turned it into a story of perseverance. After stints with several teams and overcoming challenging circumstances, he has found his stride with the Seahawks, winning key games and edging closer to his first Super Bowl title.

From viral meme to redemption story

That 2019 matchup against the Patriots remains a defining moment in Darnold’s career. “I’m seeing ghosts” may have started as a viral punchline, but it has grown into a symbol of personal and professional growth. Now, facing the same rival on the NFL’s biggest stage, the past and present converge in a story of evolution, resilience, and the chance for redemption.

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