Sam Darnold Owes MORE in California Taxes Than His Super Bowl Bonus?!

California taxes just hit the Super Bowl — and Sam Darnold’s bill shocked everyone. After spending eight “duty days” in California leading up to the Super Bowl, Darnold reportedly owes roughly $249,000 in state income taxes — more than the $178,000 Super Bowl bonus paid to players on the winning team. In this episode, we break down how the NFL “duty day” tax formula works, why California’s 13.3% top rate matters, how Washington’s zero state income tax plays into this, and what this means for athletes choosing where to sign. We also zoom out into tax incidence, corporate taxes, and how state tax policy influences behavior — whether you’re an NFL quarterback or a business owner.