The Top 10 All-Time Players in Seattle Seahawks History

The Seattle Seahawks, a team known for their relentless spirit and unwavering determination, have witnessed the rise of numerous exceptional talents throughout their storied history. From their humble beginnings as an expansion team in 1976 to their emergence as a perennial powerhouse in the NFL, the Seahawks have been home to some of the game’s most remarkable athletes. In this article, we delve deep into the annals of Seahawks history to honor the ten individuals who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. From their arrival to their notable achievements, we’ll examine the peer and fan sentiments that elevated them to legendary status.

Steve Largent (WR, 1976-1989): Steve Largent, a name synonymous with the Seattle Seahawks, graced the field as a wide receiver for an illustrious 14 seasons. Acquired through a trade with the Houston Oilers in 1976, Largent quickly established himself as a reliable and dynamic playmaker. With his precise route running and exceptional hands, he became the franchise’s all-time leading receiver. Largent’s career boasts an impressive 819 receptions, 13,089 receiving yards, and 100 touchdown catches, firmly cementing him as a dominant force. His remarkable consistency and leadership qualities endeared him to both teammates and fans, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Walter Jones (OT, 1997-2009): Regarded as one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history, Walter Jones’s impact on the Seattle Seahawks cannot be overstated. The team selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, and it was a decision that paid dividends for over a decade. Jones possessed an extraordinary combination of size, strength, and agility, allowing him to stifle even the most formidable pass rushers. A nine-time Pro Bowler and a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team, Jones epitomized excellence throughout his career. His remarkable consistency and dominant performances garnered widespread admiration, making him a beloved figure among both peers and fans.

Cortez Kennedy (DT, 1990-2000): The imposing presence of Cortez Kennedy on the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive line was a force to be reckoned with. The team drafted him with the third overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time showcasing his prodigious talent. Kennedy’s exceptional strength, agility, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback made him an unyielding force in the trenches. A stalwart of the Seahawks’ defense, Kennedy amassed 58 sacks and 568 tackles during his illustrious career. In 1992, he was honored with the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, a testament to his unrivaled skills. Peers and fans alike marveled at his dominance and respected his unwavering commitment to the game.

Shaun Alexander (RB, 2000-2007): Shaun Alexander’s electrifying performances in the backfield made him an integral part of the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive juggernaut. After being selected in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft, Alexander wasted no time in making his presence felt. His combination of speed, power, and agility allowed him to amass a multitude of rushing records. In 2005, he achieved the ultimate individual accolade by being named the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP). Alexander’s remarkable ability to find the end zone resulted in a franchise-record 100 rushing touchdowns. His accomplishments elevated him to a position of reverence among his peers and endeared him to the Seahawks faithful.

Russell Wilson (QB, 2012-Present): Since bursting onto the scene in 2012, Russell Wilson has epitomized the Seattle Seahawks’ never-say-die attitude and become the face of the franchise. Selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Wilson defied expectations and swiftly became one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. His combination of athleticism, poise, and leadership has propelled the Seahawks to consistent success. Wilson’s ability to extend plays and deliver pinpoint passes has resulted in numerous record-breaking seasons. A Super Bowl champion and multiple Pro Bowler, Wilson has garnered immense respect from peers and fans for his unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit.

Richard Sherman (CB, 2011-2017): Richard Sherman, a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” secondary, established himself as one of the most formidable cornerbacks in the league. Selected in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Sherman’s arrival in Seattle marked the beginning of an era of defensive dominance. With his remarkable instincts, exceptional ball skills, and imposing physicality, he emerged as a shutdown cornerback. Sherman’s ability to limit opposing receivers, coupled with his flair for game-changing interceptions, earned him five Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro nods. His unyielding confidence and charismatic personality endeared him to both peers and fans, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

Marshawn Lynch (RB, 2010-2015, 2019): Known for his bruising running style and unmatched determination, Marshawn Lynch left an indelible mark on the Seattle Seahawks’ offense. Acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills in 2010, Lynch’s arrival signaled a new era of power football in the Pacific Northwest. Nicknamed “Beast Mode,” Lynch’s ability to break tackles and carry defenders on his back became legendary. He delivered several iconic playoff moments, including the “Beast Quake” run in the 2010 playoffs. Lynch’s infectious personality and commitment to his craft endeared him to teammates and fans alike, making him one of the most beloved players in Seahawks history.

Kam Chancellor (S, 2010-2017): A tenacious and hard-hitting safety, Kam Chancellor was the enforcer of the Seattle Seahawks’ defense during their dominant years. Chancellor’s imposing physicality and keen football IQ made him a game-changing presence in the secondary. He possessed the rare ability to cover ground with remarkable speed while delivering bone-jarring hits. Chancellor’s leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the team were evident on and off the field. His three Pro Bowl selections and inclusion in the 2010s All-Decade Team solidify his status as one of the greatest safeties in franchise history.

Earl Thomas (S, 2010-2018): Earl Thomas, an embodiment of the modern-day safety, revolutionized the Seattle Seahawks’ defense with his remarkable range and exceptional instincts. Selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Thomas wasted no time in establishing himself as a game-changing force in the secondary. His uncanny ability to cover ground quickly, make acrobatic interceptions, and deliver bone-crushing hits made him a linchpin of the “Legion of Boom” defense. Thomas’s accomplishments include multiple Pro Bowl selections and a spot on the 2010s All-Decade Team. Peers and fans lauded his football intelligence and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Cortez Kennedy (DT, 1990-2000): The imposing presence of Cortez Kennedy on the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive line was a force to be reckoned with. The team drafted him with the third overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time showcasing his prodigious talent. Kennedy’s exceptional strength, agility, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback made him an unyielding force in the trenches. A stalwart of the Seahawks’ defense, Kennedy amassed 58 sacks and 568 tackles during his illustrious career. In 1992, he was honored with the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, a testament to his unrivaled skills. Peers and fans alike marveled at his dominance and respected his unwavering commitment to the game.

Conclusion:

The Seattle Seahawks have been blessed with an array of exceptional players who have etched their names into the franchise’s history. From the record-setting performances of Steve Largent to the defensive prowess of Cortez Kennedy and the Legion of Boom, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the team’s legacy. Through their remarkable achievements, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to excellence, these ten players have become the embodiment of the Seahawks’ spirit and the essence of greatness. As the franchise continues to evolve and strive for success, these immortal figures will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Seahawks fans, serving as a testament to the rich and storied history of the team.