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Seahawks Lean Into Opening Night Spectacle as Darnold’s ‘Ham for Sam’ Moment Draws Chants

Coach Mike Macdonald set an early‑week window for fun that ends with a return to preparation.

Overview

  • At Super Bowl Opening Night in San Jose, Sam Darnold received a foam ham hat, a button and a serape from Jimmy Kimmel Live’s Guillermo, prompting a brief “Ham for Sam” chant.
  • Darnold also accepted a Marlboro Man portrait with his face superimposed on an image tied to his grandfather Dick Hammer and reacted by asking if he could keep it.
  • Players across the Seahawks roster leaned into fan interactions, with Guillermo handing out Crustables, Shemar Jean-Charles fielding pop-culture questions and Kenny McIntosh commandeering a TV camera to film teammates.
  • Rookie lineman Mason Richman said Macdonald told players to enjoy the first two days of media events before the team locks back in for the rest of Super Bowl week.
  • Looking ahead to the game, coverage notes Darnold is expected to face a demanding test against the Patriots’ defense and will need to make plays for Seattle’s offense.