The Greatest Seattle Seahawks of All Time
The Seattle Seahawks have established themselves as one of the most successful and iconic franchises in the National Football League over the past few decades. From their humble beginnings in 1976 to their current status as perennial playoff contenders, the Seahawks have been home to some of the greatest players to ever grace the gridiron.
As we reflect on the rich history of this beloved team, it's important to recognize and celebrate the legends who have donned the iconic blue and green uniforms. These players have not only left an indelible mark on the Seahawks' legacy but have also etched their names in the annals of NFL history.
Offensive Greats
Russell Wilson
When discussing the greatest Seahawks of all time, the conversation must start with the team's longtime quarterback, Russell Wilson. Drafted in the third round in 2012, Wilson quickly emerged as a dynamic playmaker, leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in his second season. Over the course of his illustrious career, Wilson has been selected to nine Pro Bowls, won a league MVP award, and solidified his place as one of the most prolific passers in franchise history. His combination of pinpoint accuracy, mobility, and leadership has made him a perennial MVP candidate and a true icon in the Pacific Northwest.
Steve Largent
No list of Seahawks legends would be complete without the inclusion of wide receiver Steve Largent. Drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1976, Largent was traded to the expansion Seahawks and went on to rewrite the franchise's record books. A seven-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, Largent remains the Seahawks' all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. His precise route-running, sure hands, and toughness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a beloved figure among Seahawks fans.
Shaun Alexander
The Seahawks' all-time leading rusher, Shaun Alexander, was a dominant force in the backfield during his prime. Drafted in the first round in 1997, Alexander quickly established himself as one of the league's premier running backs, culminating in his MVP season in 2005 when he set the NFL single-season rushing touchdown record. Alexander's blend of power, speed, and vision made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his contributions to the Seahawks' success in the early 2000s cannot be overstated.
Walter Jones
Considered by many to be the greatest offensive lineman in Seahawks history, Walter Jones was a dominant force at left tackle for over a decade. Drafted in the first round in 1997, Jones was selected to nine Pro Bowls and was a key cog in the Seahawks' offensive machine, providing stellar pass protection and opening gaping holes for the team's running game. His combination of size, strength, and technique made him one of the most dominant players at his position during his era, and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014 was a well-deserved honor.
Defensive Standouts
Cortez Kennedy
Defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy was a force to be reckoned with during his tenure with the Seahawks. Drafted third overall in 1990, Kennedy quickly established himself as one of the league's most dominant interior linemen, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. His combination of size, strength, and quickness made him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen, and his impact on the Seahawks' defense was immeasurable. Kennedy's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012 was a testament to his greatness.
Bobby Wagner
In the modern era of the Seahawks, no defensive player has been more impactful than linebacker Bobby Wagner. Drafted in the second round in 2012, Wagner has been the heart and soul of the Seahawks' defense, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro six times. His exceptional instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and sure tackling have made him one of the most dominant middle linebackers in the league, and his leadership has been instrumental in the Seahawks' sustained success.
Earl Thomas
The Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" defense of the early 2010s was anchored by the play of free safety Earl Thomas. Drafted in the first round in 2010, Thomas was a ball-hawking, hard-hitting presence in the secondary, earning six Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro three times. His ability to cover ground and make game-changing plays in the passing game was a crucial component of the Seahawks' dominant defensive unit, and his impact on the franchise's history cannot be overstated.
Richard Sherman
Cornerback Richard Sherman was the vocal leader of the Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" defense, and his impact on the team's success cannot be overstated. Drafted in the fifth round in 2011, Sherman quickly emerged as one of the league's premier shutdown corners, earning four Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro three times. His combination of size, physicality, and exceptional coverage skills made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and his brash personality and trash-talking antics only added to his legend among Seahawks fans.
Special Teams Aces
Norm Johnson
While the Seahawks have been home to many offensive and defensive standouts, the team has also been blessed with some of the league's best special teams players. Chief among them is kicker Norm Johnson, who spent the majority of his 17-year career with the Seahawks. Johnson was a model of consistency, converting over 80% of his field goal attempts and earning two Pro Bowl selections during his time in Seattle. His reliable leg and clutch performances were crucial to the Seahawks' success, and he remains one of the franchise's all-time greats.
Jon Ryan
The Seahawks have also been home to some of the league's most talented punters, and Jon Ryan stands out as one of the best. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2006, Ryan joined the Seahawks in 2008 and went on to become one of the most reliable and versatile punters in the NFL. His ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory, as well as his prowess as a passer on fake punt attempts, made him a valuable asset to the Seahawks' special teams unit. Ryan's contributions to the team's success, particularly during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2013, solidify his place among the franchise's all-time greats.
Coaching Legends
Pete Carroll
The Seahawks' sustained success over the past decade can be largely attributed to the leadership of head coach Pete Carroll. Hired in 2010, Carroll has transformed the Seahawks into one of the league's most consistent and dominant teams, leading the franchise to a Super Bowl victory in 2013 and multiple playoff appearances. His relentless energy, innovative coaching strategies, and ability to develop talent have made him a beloved figure among Seahawks fans, and his impact on the team's history is undeniable.
Mike Holmgren
Before the arrival of Pete Carroll, the Seahawks experienced a golden era under the guidance of head coach Mike Holmgren. Hired in 1999, Holmgren led the Seahawks to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2005, where they ultimately fell short against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, his impact on the franchise cannot be overstated, as he helped establish the Seahawks as a perennial playoff contender and laid the foundation for the team's future success. Holmgren's offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks, most notably Matt Hasselbeck, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in Seahawks history.
Impact Players of Different Eras
1970s-1980s
In the early years of the franchise, the Seahawks were led by the likes of wide receiver Steve Largent, defensive tackle Joe Nash, and linebacker Keith Butler. These players laid the groundwork for the team's future success and helped establish the Seahawks as a competitive force in the NFL.
1990s-2000s
The 1990s and 2000s saw the emergence of some of the Seahawks' most dominant players, including defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, running back Shaun Alexander, and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. These players were instrumental in the team's rise to prominence, leading the Seahawks to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2005.
2010s-Present
The current era of Seahawks football has been defined by the play of quarterback Russell Wilson, linebacker Bobby Wagner, and the "Legion of Boom" defense led by players like Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman. This group of players has helped the Seahawks maintain their status as one of the league's elite franchises, winning a Super Bowl in 2013 and consistently competing for playoff berths.
Statistical Leaders
Passing
Russell Wilson holds the Seahawks' franchise records for most passing yards (37,059), passing touchdowns (292), and passer rating (105.3). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in team history.
Rushing
Shaun Alexander is the Seahawks' all-time leading rusher, with 9,429 yards and 100 rushing touchdowns. His MVP season in 2005, in which he set the NFL single-season rushing touchdown record, cemented his legacy as one of the best running backs in franchise history.
Receiving
Steve Largent remains the Seahawks' all-time leader in receptions (819), receiving yards (13,089), and receiving touchdowns (100). His precise route-running and sure hands made him one of the most dominant wide receivers of his era.
Defensive
Linebacker Bobby Wagner has emerged as the Seahawks' all-time leader in tackles, with over 1,500 to his name. His exceptional instincts and sideline-to-sideline speed have made him one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.
Super Bowl Heroes
Super Bowl XLVIII Performers
The Seahawks' dominant 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII was a testament to the team's overall greatness. Quarterback Russell Wilson, running back Marshawn Lynch, and the "Legion of Boom" defense led the charge, delivering the Seahawks' first-ever Super Bowl championship.
Key Players in Other Playoff Runs
While the Seahawks' Super Bowl XLVIII triumph stands out as their crowning achievement, the team has also enjoyed success in other playoff runs. Players like wide receiver Doug Baldwin, linebacker K.J. Wright, and safety Kam Chancellor have all made significant contributions to the Seahawks' postseason success over the years.
Hall of Fame Inductees and Potential Future Candidates
The Seahawks have been well-represented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with players like Steve Largent, Cortez Kennedy, and Walter Jones earning induction. Additionally, current players like Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, and Richard Sherman are all potential future Hall of Famers, further cementing the Seahawks' status as one of the league's most successful franchises.
Fan Favorites and Cultural Icons
Beyond the statistical leaders and Hall of Fame inductees, the Seahawks have also been home to a number of fan favorites and cultural icons. Players like running back Marshawn Lynch, with his iconic "Beast Mode" persona, and cornerback Richard Sherman, with his brash personality and trash-talking antics, have become beloved figures among Seahawks fans and have left an indelible mark on the franchise's history.
Conclusion
The Seattle Seahawks have been blessed with an abundance of legendary players, coaches, and contributors over the course of their history. From the early days of Steve Largent and Cortez Kennedy to the modern era of Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, the Seahawks have consistently produced some of the greatest talents the NFL has ever seen.
As we look back on the rich history of this franchise, it's clear that the Seahawks' success has been built on the backs of these iconic figures. Their contributions, both on and off the field, have not only shaped the team's legacy but have also left an indelible mark on the city of Seattle and the entire NFL landscape.
Moving forward, the Seahawks will undoubtedly continue to produce new generations of superstars, but the legends of the past will always hold a special place in the hearts of the team's loyal fanbase. The greatest Seahawks of all time have set the bar high, and it will be up to future players to carry on the tradition of excellence that has become synonymous with this beloved franchise.