A sixth Seahawk in NFL Network’s Top 100
After a two-week hiatus, the Seahawks get another name in NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2013.
When players No. 30-21 are unveiled at 5 p.m. PT on Thursday on NFL Network, a sixth Seattleite will join the likes of center Max Unger (No. 95), wide receiver Percy Harvin (No. 90), free safety Earl Thomas (No. 66), quarterback Russell Wilson (No. 51), and cornerback Richard Sherman (No. 50).
Unfortunately, we can’t tell you who that player is just yet. But with the field shrinking by the week, it makes it a little bit easier to pinpoint the remaining Seahawks on the list. All-Pro/Pro Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch is the first that comes to mind, but I could also see Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung earning a mention.
Tune in to NFL Network tomorrow to find out who it is and we’ll have the announcement for you here as soon as it drops.
On this date: Seahawks win lottery, select Brian Bosworth
A look at a memorable moment in Seahawks history that occurred on June 12:
1987: The Seahawks win the lottery for the first pick in the supplemental draft and select University of Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth. The move cost the team its first-round pick in the 1988 NFL Draft. The colorful, and controversial, Bosworth – aka “The Boz” – would start 24 games in three seasons before a shoulder injury ended his career. He had 78 tackles as a rookie, to finish second on the team behind Pro Bowl linebacker Fredd Young (99); and 82 in 1988, which ranked third behind free safety Eugene Robinson (114) and linebacker Dave Wyman (97).
Minicamp round-up: Day two
Mini Camp Day 2! #GoHawks—
Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) June 12, 2013
Good morning, and welcome to day two of the Seahawks’ three-day minicamp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Like yesterday, today’s workout is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., but before we get there, here’s a look at what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for June 12, 2013:
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times has his notes from day one of minicamp, including injury updates, practice observations and post-practice reaction from head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson.
Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune dissects Wilson’s approach to the 2013 season and has his practice notes from day one.
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune analyzes ESPN.com’s 20 Greatest Coaches in NFL History feature, looking at where past and present Seahawks coaches fall in relation to the list.
Danny O’Neil of 710Sports.com catches up with wide receiver Doug Baldwin, who has impressed coaches and media alike so far this offseason. O’Neil also has notes from day one of minicamp, keying in on versatile defensive end Michael Bennett.
John Boyle of the Everett Herald also has a feature on Bennett, one of the club’s top offseason acquisitions.
ESPN.com NFC West blogger Mike Sando has his thoughts after Wilson’s Tuesday morning appearance on ESPN’s “Mike & Mike” – the podcast of which can be found below:
Audio File – Russell Wilson on ESPN’s “Mike & Mike”:
Our Clare Farnsworth looks at Wilson’s approach to avoiding a “sophomore slump” and his “Hawkville” blog focuses on rookie defensive tackle Michael Brooks.
Insider Tony Ventrella talks with Carroll, Wilson and Baldwin following the first day of minicamp in his Seahawks Daily.
Team photographer Rod Mar has a look at day one of camp in photos.
And we’ll be back with plenty more following this afternoon’s practice.
Woke up with going ham today in practice on my mind…. Day2 let's go!!!!!—
Earl Thomas (@Earl_Thomas) June 12, 2013
Marshawn Lynch & Russell Wilson featured in Madden NFL 25 trailer
Quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Marshawn Lynch are two of four players featured in EA Sports’ Madden NFL 25 official gameplay trailer, a title set to be released on Xbox One and Playstation 4 this fall.
Wilson and Lynch are highlighted alongside 2012′s NFL MVP Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings and 2012′s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins. It’s pretty good company for the pair of Pro Bowl Seahawks who were the backbone of Seattle’s offense last season. In the trailer, Lynch and Wilson are showcased in several sequences of virtual footage at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field.
The NFL quad of Lynch, Wilson, Peterson and Griffin are clearly the focal point of this video, but it’s former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders who will don the game’s cover, after garnering more than 40 million total votes throughout Madden 25′s “old school” vs. “new school” cover-hopeful campaign. Sanders beat out Peterson in the championship round of voting.
Tuesday in Hawkville: Michael Brooks showing he’s a fast learner
A recap of the activities at Virginia Mason Athletic Center for June 11, as the Seahawks kicked off a mandatory three-day minicamp that will conclude their offseason program:
FOCUS ON: MICHAEL BROOKS
After the rookie defensive tackle was claimed off waivers on May 29 and practiced with the Seahawks for the first time a few days later, Brooks admitted, “I’m just trying to learn my way around right now and get with this new system.”
The 6-foot-3, 299-pound Brooks apparently is a fast learner. In today’s practice, he tipped a pass incomplete and then penetrated to get a “sack” – on back-to-back plays. It was that talent and versatility that first attracted the Seahawks, who tried to sign Brooks after the NFL Draft in April. He opted for the Lions, but the Seahawks got another chance to acquire Brooks after he was waived.
“We saw some things we liked about him on tape and Michael certainly has come in here and tried to learn the system quickly,” first-year defensive line coach Travis Jones said after practice – which was held under sunny skies but also in a brisk breeze along the shores of Lake Washington.
And, like most of the linemen, Brooks is learning more than one position. He’s playing the three-technique tackle spot as well as the five-technique end position.
“Everybody’s got different positions to learn,” Jones said. “You’ve got to try to find a way to get on this team, and the best way to do that is to learn a couple of different positions.”
And it doesn’t hurt when you’re making multiple plays from those multiple positions.
PLAYER WATCH: CHRIS CLEMONS
The team’s sack leader the past three seasons was on hand for the start of the mandatory minicamp, but Clemons is continuing his rehab from surgery after tearing a ligament and meniscus in his left knee during the wild-card playoff victory over the Redskins in January.
“It’s good to get Clem back in, even though he can’t work,” Carroll said.
Clemons, who was acquired in a 2010 trade with the Eagles, has posted 11, 11 and 11.5 sacks in his first three seasons with the Seahawks.
“The doctors say he’s in great shape,” Carroll said. “He’s ahead (of schedule). He’s worked diligently to get there. Is he going to make it back by the first game? I don’t know. He has a chance. And if it can happen, he’ll make it happen.
“But like I said the whole time, we will not rush that. We’re going to take our time on that and make sure he’s right. The doctors are greatly confident. He is also.”
Even if he’s not practicing, Clemons provides a plus.
“Clem, he’s a great leader on this team. He’s tough as nails and really stands for something in this locker room,” Carroll said. “So to have him around is important.”
POSITION WATCH: TIGHT END
With starter Zach Miller sitting out to rest a sore left foot, it allowed second-year tight end Sean McGrath and rookie Luke Willson to work with the No. 1 offense – snaps that will prove invaluable as they continue to develop in the offense.
“It does give the other guys a chance to step up and get some good focus work,” Carroll said. “It’s really good for Luke and Sean McGrath is getting extra turns. So it’s a good deal.”
While Willson was selected in the fifth round of April’s NFL Draft, McGrath spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad after being signed as a rookie free agent last year.
“Sean is stronger. He’s quicker,” said Carroll, pointing out that McGrath has added almost 10 pounds. “He just looks great. He always could catch the football really well. Now he knows what he’s doing and he’s become just a regular part of it. He’s in the rotation right now.”
ANOTHER TOP 100 PLAYER
A sixth Seahawk will be included among the players ranked 21-30 in the NFL Network’s continuing countdown of the Top 100 Players for 2013. The latest group will be unveiled starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
As usual, we can’t tell you who it is. But All-Pro center Max Unger (No. 95), receiver/returner/running Percy Harvin (No. 90), All-Pro free safety Earl Thomas (No. 66), Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson (No. 51) and All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman (No. 50) are the Seahawks previously included. That leaves a very-prominent name still out there – All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch.
A WISH COME TRUE, AND THEN SOME
The club hosted Make-A-Wish recipient Kevin Lee today. Needless to say, it was an over-the-top experience for the 12-year old from Farmington Hills, Mich., who has had four open-heart surgeries.
We can’t share more details at this time because the event was videotaped by a crew from ESPN and will be included in the network’s Eighth Annual My Wish series that is scheduled to air the week of Aug. 18.
UP NEXT
The players will practice again on Wednesday afternoon and then wrap up the three-day minicamp with a morning practice on Thursday.
YOU DON’T SAY
“You saw him. He was killing it today in practice. He’s just a very, very talented football player – very fast; very, very quick. He’s a very smart football player. He has the mind of quarterback. He thinks all the time. He’s thinking about what’s going on. What the coverage looks like and how he’s matched up with certain guys. So that helps.” – quarterback Russell Wilson on third-year slot receiver Doug Baldwin, who was played through injuries most of last season after leading the team in receptions as a rookie free agent in 2011
Seahawks supporting US Soccer in World Cup Qualifier
Seahawks wide receivers Doug Baldwin (left) and Golden Tate (right) will be among the many USA fans in attendance tonight for the other football played at CenturyLink Field. Seattle hosts Panama in the city’s first World Cup Qualifier in 37 years tonight at 7:00 pm PT on ESPN.
Pete Carroll and the Seahawks opened minicamp today, which will run consecutively through Thursday, but even in his post practice press conference he couldn’t contain his excitement for fellow head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and the US Men’s National Team.
.@PeteCarroll excited about @ussoccer vs Panama at @CenturyLink_Fld tonight. instagram.com/p/ab5BxDNuz6/ #usmnt #minicamp—
Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) June 11, 2013
Good luck to @J_Klinsmann & the #USMNT tonight in a #WCQ vs Panama at CenturyLink Field! Cheering loud for the USA! http://t.co/vdTDqzMxEq—
Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) June 11, 2013
Can't wait to watch the @ussoccer world cup qualifying match tonight at C-link #USA #USA @DougBaldwinJr—
Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) June 12, 2013
The United States is in the middle of a stretch of three World Cup Qualifiers having beaten Jamaica in a dramatic 2-1 stoppage-time victory with local Seattle Sounders FC product, Brad Evans, scoring the winning goal. Their next match will be in Salt Lake City, Utah, as they face Honduras on June 18.
As a play on the way Russell Wilson finishes every interview, Coach Carroll finished his press conference today in poignant fashion:
Carroll: "#GoUSA." #minicamp #usmnt @ussoccer—
Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) June 11, 2013
Minicamp round-up: Day one
Practice is everything. It's where we make us! #minicamp #GoHawks—
Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) June 11, 2013
Good morning, and welcome to day one of the Seahawks’ three-day mandatory minicamp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Today’s team workout is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., but before we get there, here’s a look at what’s “out there” as the club heads into the final week of their Offseason Program.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times identifies four key issues the Seahawks face as they gather for camp this week, including the battle for the backup tight end spot between 2013 fifth-round draft pick Luke Willson and second-year player Sean McGrath.
Danny O’Neil of 710Sports.com details five players to watch during the team’s three-day workout – offensive guard John Moffitt, wide receiver Chris Harper, cornerback Tharold Simon, defensive tackle Jesse Williams, and the competition for the backup offensive tackle spot between 2013 seventh-round draft pick Michael Bowie and third-year pro Michael Person.
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune has his observations from the team’s nine sessions of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) that finished up last week and has a look at what to expect from this week of camp.
Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune previewed this week’s minicamp in his Monday Morning QB chat. You can find the transcript of yesterday’s chat here.
Mike Sando of ESPN.com has a look around the rest of the NFC West, as the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers also hold their mandatory minicamps this week, while the St. Louis Rams continue with OTAs.
Our Clare Farnsworth offers a recap of the club’s offseason to this point and highlights questions and concerns heading into the practice week.
Outside of minicamp news, former Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was released from the Buffalo Bills yesterday and John Boyle of the Everett Herald makes the case for bringing Jackson back to Seattle to backup entrenched starter Russell Wilson.
Lindsay Jones of USA Today has a feature on wide receiver Percy Harvin.
Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks of NFL.com breaks down who is the better cornerback – the Seahawks’ Richard Sherman or the Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson – and Brooks offers the edge to Sherman, calling him “currently far superior.”
Check back later this afternoon for our coverage from day one of Seahawks minicamp.
Tarvaris Jackson released by Buffalo Bills
Tarvaris Jackson, the Seahawks’ starting quarterback in his only season with the club, has been released by the Bills, it was announced on the team’s website today.
The Seahawks traded Jackson to the Bills last August, on the same day coach Pete Carroll announced that rookie Russell Wilson had won the Seahawks’ starting job. Jackson did not play last season for the Bills, but was re-signed this offseason.
In 2011, after signing with the Seahawks in free agency, Jackson passed for 3,091 yards and 14 touchdowns. But last summer he lost the starting job to Wilson and the backup job to Matt Flynn, who was signed in free agency last March and traded to the Raiders this offseason.
Is it football season yet?
In case you missed last week’s edition of “Is it football season yet?” I’ll quickly fill you in on what we’re out to accomplish with these weekly blog entries.
Last Friday marked 100 days from the Seahawks’ September 8 regular season kickoff against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. To help the days and weeks prior to that date move along a little quicker, I’m here to deliver you all of the Seahawks happenings for the week to come. From team activities to community events and from player birthdays to national holidays, think of this as your one-stop-online-shop for keeping in touch with all of the Seahawks’ offseason activities.
We’re now just 93 days away from the 2013 regular season, but before we dive into the schedule for next week, we’ll touch on some events to keep an eye on tonight, when a pair of Russell Wilson sightings will take place around Seattle’s SoDo district.
Wilson, joined by Seahawks president Peter McLoughlin, will first take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand re-opening of the Seahawks Pro Shop at CenturyLink Field. Following that event, Wilson will march a half-mile south along Occidental Avenue to Safeco Field, where he will toss out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Seattle Mariners game against the New York Yankees.
Here’s a quick look at some of Wilson’s pre-first-pitch preparation, courtesy of strong safety Kam Chancellor:
Russell Wilson curve ball vine.co/v/bLJZz3KhtVV—
Kameron (@Kam_Chancellor) June 07, 2013
Now, here’s what’s going on next week, June 9-15, with your Seattle Seahawks:
Sunday, June 9:
- No team activities are scheduled, but the Seahawks Pro Shop grand re-opening festivities continue, as Sea Gals Alicia and Hannah stop by the stadium location from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Seahawks Blue Thunder will also be on hand, entertaining from 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Monday, June 10
- Week No. 9 of the team’s Offseason Program begins at VMAC. Players will report to the team facility for physicals.
Tuesday, June 11:
- The club’s mandatory three-day minicamp begins. The team is currently scheduled to practice from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Coaches and players will be available to the media following the day’s session.
Wednesday, June 12:
- The club’s mandatory three-day minicamp continues. The team is currently scheduled to practice from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Coaches and players will be available to the media following the day’s session.
- Seahawks strong safety Jeron Johnson celebrates his 25th birthday. Send some birthday wishes his way on Twitter @Jus_Showoff
Thursday, June 13:
- The club’s mandatory three-day minicamp concludes. The team is currently scheduled to practice from 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Coaches and players will be available to the media following the day’s session.
Friday, June 14:
- The team’s Offseason Program officially wraps up and the break for veteran players begins. The rookies will report for workouts the following week.
- Holiday: Flag Day – the day calls for a celebration of the adoption of the flag of the United States, but who says you can’t proudly fly your 12th Man flags alongside our nation’s colors? We do it every day here at VMAC.
Saturday, June 15:
- Seahawks All-Pro Varsity Skills Camp for youth ages 9-14 will take place at VMAC. Participants will work with trained coaches on both offensive and defensive drills and wide receiver Doug Baldwin will be in attendance. Spots are still available for the camp’s second session, set to run from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. You can register here.
Ryan and Janna Willmaser join in Seahawks matrimony
Ryan and Janna Willmaser pose for photos after their wedding ceremony (Photos by JaneG. Photography)
Ryan and Janna (pronounced Yanna) Willmaser didn’t initially intend to have a Seahawks-themed wedding, but several of their photos from that day could fool you into thinking that was the case.
“Janna liked a nice spring green and black for the wedding colors, so when we were out shopping for the guys shirts, naturally the lime green kept pulling me in,” said Ryan. “I guess the human mind gravitates toward what it thinks about most.”
For Ryan, high up on that list of what he thinks about most is the Seahawks. He’s been a season-ticket holder since 2005 and is a member of the “12th Army” – a close-knit collective of Seahawks tailgaters whose gameday gas-guzzler we told you all about last season.
“It is more of an obsession and way of life for me,” said Ryan. “But when it comes to support, she gives me 100 percent. Janna is on her third year as a season-ticket holder and is fully invested – heart and soul.”
The Willmaser’s, who have been together now for four-and-a-half years, held their wedding last weekend at Wine & Roses Country Estate in Auburn, Wash. It was a traditional style ceremony held inside an old country barn, with family and friends lining the aisle and several attendees overlooking the ceremony from the balcony above. The pair even mentioned their love for the Hawks when taking their wedding vows.
“I asked her if she would vow to always love the Seahawks and she replied with the promise to always root for the Hawks,” said Ryan. “We got a good laugh out of everyone in attendance.”
Outside of the lime green shirts, Ryan said he wanted to outfit his groomsmen with something unique that would align with his and Janna’s Seahawks fanaticism. They wanted the gift to be something that they could use over and over again.
“Our first thought was customized Seahawks jerseys,” Ryan said.
So Ryan and Janna did just that. Each of the groomsmen received a personalized Seahawks jersey freshly embroidered with their favorite number and last name or nick name.
“Since we had this unique gift we had to get pictures in them as well and it was only right to include the 12th Man flag, too,” Ryan said. “We have used that flag to take pictures all over the country in front of different monuments or simply fly from our hotel balcony in different cities.”
What’s next for this happy couple? Well, they’ve decided not to take an immediate honeymoon. Instead, they’ll delay that expedition until February 2014, as the two plan a trip to New York City.
“We heard that there is a big football game being played there around that time,” Ryan said.” And we fully expect the boys in blue to be representing the NFC.”
