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The Story Behind the Sam Darnold Middle Finger Shirt Worn by Ernest Jones IV
The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX victory parade was a day of pure elation, confetti, and legendary moments. But among the sea of blue and green, one viral fashion statement stole the spotlight: The Sam Darnold Middle Finger Shirt.
Spotted on the back of star linebacker Ernest Jones IV, this bold, defiant graphic tee has become the “must-have” piece of apparel for every Seahawks fan (the 12s). But what is the origin of this shirt, and why did it become the symbol of the 2026 championship season?
The Viral Moment: Ernest Jones IV at the Parade
On February 11, 2026, during the championship parade in Seattle, Ernest Jones IV was seen celebrating atop a bus wearing a gritty, black-and-white shirt featuring quarterback Sam Darnold. The design was unmistakable: a parody of Johnny Cash’s iconic Folsom Prison pose, with Darnold flipping the bird, smoking a cigarette, and holding a bottle.
It was a shocking contrast to Darnold’s usually quiet and humble personality, which is exactly why it went viral within minutes on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit.
The Origin: A Defiant Defense of the QB
The shirt isn’t just a random design; it represents the “Seahawks vs. The World” mentality.
Back in November 2025, after a tough game against the Rams where critics were calling for Darnold to be benched, Ernest Jones IV stood up for his teammate in a heated locker room interview. He famously told the media:
“If you’ve got anything to say about my quarterback… quite frankly, f** you.”*
That quote became the rallying cry for the team. The “Middle Finger Shirt” is the visual embodiment of that statement. It’s a message to every doubter, analyst, and hater who called Sam Darnold a “bust” before he led Seattle to a Super Bowl ring.
Is the Photo Real?
Fans have been asking: Did Sam Darnold actually take that photo? The answer is no. The image is a clever piece of AI-generated art or Photoshop designed to match the legendary outlaw vibe of Johnny Cash. Ernest Jones IV later revealed on the “Up & Adams” show that he actually asked for Darnold’s permission before wearing it. Darnold, being the ultimate team player, laughed and gave him the green light, knowing it was all in the spirit of brotherhood and victory.
Why This Shirt is a Must-Have for Fans
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The Redemption Story: It celebrates Sam Darnold’s incredible journey from a struggling QB to a Super Bowl champion.
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The “Outlaw” Aesthetic: The vintage, gritty look makes it more than just sports merch; it’s a streetwear statement.
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The Ernest Jones Connection: Wearing this shirt means you stand with the defense and the grit that brought the trophy back to Seattle.
How to Style Your Sam Darnold Parade Shirt
Since the shirt is a bold graphic tee, it works perfectly with:
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A flannel shirt: Lean into that Pacific Northwest “grunge” vibe.
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Distressed denim: Keep the “outlaw” look consistent from top to bottom.
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Seahawks gear: Layer it under your favorite team hoodie for the ultimate game-day fit.
Order Now: https://gullprint.com/product/sam-darnold-middle-finger-shirt/
