Sam Darnold backs children battling cancer through Jessie Rees and Baller Dream Foundations

Sam Darnold's support for children battling cancer started in high school and has continued throughout his NFL career. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback has backed the Jessie Rees Foundation for eight seasons through the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative. In 2024, he also joined former Minnesota Vikings teammate Garrett Bradbury to raise money for the Baller Dream Foundation.

A cause that started in high school

Darnold learned about the Jessie Rees Foundation through his quarterback coach, Jordan Palmer, while he was in high school. The organization supports children fighting cancer through its Never Ever Give Up (NEGU) mission.

In an interview, Darnold explained how the foundation helps children. "It's a foundation for children fighting cancer and they just try to spread joy for these kids that are fighting cancer. Then they do a lot of great things to help raise money for the cause as well," Darnold said.

He also spoke about Cade Spinello, known as Super Cade, whose cancer journey left a lasting impression on him. "He's an incredible person and he really touched my heart with his story and how he battled, and how NEGU really helped him get through some really, really tough times battling cancer," Darnold said in the same interview.

By the 2025 NFL season, Darnold had supported the foundation through My Cause My Cleats for eight seasons. The initiative allows players to wear custom cleats representing causes they care about. Darnold also hoped to visit a hospital with the organization in Seattle during the holiday season.

Golf outings for the Baller Dream Foundation

Darnold took part in another fundraising effort in September 2024, when he joined Bradbury to offer charity golf outings for the Baller Dream Foundation. The Minnesota Vikings reported the initiative on September 25, 2024. Darnold offered a golf experience at El Niguel in Southern California, while Bradbury offered one at Silverleaf Country Club in Arizona. People could bid for the outings through online auctions, with the money raised going to the foundation.

The Baller Dream Foundation provides emotional and financial support to children and young adults battling cancer, including patients up to age 29. Darnold also recalled his early experience with the group. "We did a camp with them, and a bunch of kids came out and they got to catch touchdowns from us," Darnold said.

Speaking about the Baller Dream Foundation, he added, "They spread joy. I think that's the biggest thing because cancer in itself, or trying to find the research to be able to cure cancer, is so hard, and there's people that are dedicating their life to find that cure." He further added, "So while they're doing that, we're going to help spread that joy and help make their lives a little better."

Two ways of giving back

Through both efforts, Darnold has supported organizations that help families deal with the challenges of cancer. His long-running work with the Jessie Rees Foundation and his participation in the Baller Dream Foundation fundraiser show two ways he has contributed to the cause.