Bruh...
"I'll search for information about this Super Bowl bonus and tax claim to verify the accuracy.
Yes, this is **true** based on multiple credible reports.
Here are the confirmed facts:
**Super Bowl Bonus**: $178,000 per player for winning team ✓
**California Tax**: Estimated $249,000 owed by Sam Darnold ✓
**Context**:
- The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California
- Sam Darnold (the player in the image) is the Seahawks quarterback
- California's "jock tax" taxes athletes based on "duty days" spent in the state (approximately 8 days for the Super Bowl including practices, media obligations, etc.)
- California has the nation's highest state income tax rate: 13.3% income tax + 1.3% disability insurance = 14.6% total
- The $249,000 tax is calculated on a prorated portion of Darnold's annual compensation from his $105 million contract, not just the bonus
- **Net result**: Darnold effectively loses about $71,000 for winning the Super Bowl when played in California
So ironically, Darnold paid more to California in taxes than he earned in his Super Bowl bonus. The financial loss doesn't diminish his championship win, but it highlights California's aggressive taxation of visiting athletes."
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