Sam Darnold is the most popular person in Seattle -- and for good reason after he led the Seahawks to a strong, 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
He received a warm welcome from fans upon his arrival back home, which included a "shift" he worked at the new Raising Cane's location in Seattle that will be its first-ever restaurant in the city. In addition to serving fans, Darnold said he himself enjoys Cane's when he gets it in other cities, and that it is his go-to for road trips.
Now, he'll have access to one in his own backyard.
"It's huge (to be here with Raising Cane's," Darnold said. "First of all, I love the food and it is my cheat meal on weekends... but the way they're involved with the community is great. Todd (Graves) and the people with the company do a good job in that realm... that was just another reason that it felt like this opportunity called my name."
Chicken and fries aside, the thing Darnold was most excited about was getting to celebrate inside and outside the restaurant with hundreds of screaming Seattle fans.
"Being with the fans... that's why we do it," Darnold said. "We get to play this game and we get to make a living in the NFL because of the fans. Because of how much everyone cares about football."
This was the line for the Raising Cane’s in Seattle that Sam Darnold was working at after winning the Super Bowl.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 11, 2026
pic.twitter.com/kA5zUjH3VK
#Seahawks Super Bowl-champion QB Sam Darnold munching on Raising Cane’s and egging on the fans lining U District streets watching him through glass is a different kind of funny.
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) February 10, 2026
He said he enjoys these meals on Seahawks road trips 🤨 pic.twitter.com/tsLnb6aZfG
The way Sam Darnold tosses the Cane’s Texas toast is so tough #thatsmyqbpic.twitter.com/j8K34Kd2ux
— Evan (@thunderhawk3540) February 11, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold brought the Super Bowl excitement back to the Emerald City with a unique celebration.
— KOMO News (@komonews) February 11, 2026
Fresh off the Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory in Santa Clara, Calif., Darnold worked a special "shift" at the first Raising Cane's restaurant in… pic.twitter.com/5tR2kFKMgP
Quick look at the new @raisingcanes that opens in a week near the University of Washington campus!
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) February 11, 2026
It’s the first to ever open in Seattle for the restaurant chain. pic.twitter.com/SOlKzwGTgq
The restaurant Darnold partnered with in the event will officially open its doors right by the University of Washington campus on February 17, 2026 at 4345 University Way N.E. In addition to another of many food options in the city, the location has also opened the doors for roughly 100 new employees.
Plans for future locations in Washington include the cities of Covington, Lynnwood and Silverdale.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold expresses sincere 'thank you' to fans