Seahawks empty lockers with offseason looming

The Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks players emptied their lockers Tuesday morning as they began preparing for the upcoming season.  The annual locker clean-up ritual is pretty much like the last day of school.   Players boxed up their jerseys, cleats, and any belongings in their locker stalls.  Up next for the players is the  Victory Parade and the offseason.

A CELEBRATORY MOOD.

With the improbable 29-13 win over the New England Patriots still on their minds and likely to be for a long time to come, the mood in the locker room was one of jubilation, reflection, and joy for the teammates.

‘ These are my teammates and brothers from the beginning to the end,” said Ernest  Jones.” We have been through so much, stuck together, and, in the end, accomplished our ultimate goal.  Just happy for the guys and for this team’s success. That’s really it.”

The common theme in the locker room, as it was during the season, was one of belief and trust.  “ We believed in each other and the coaching staff from the day, and we have been rewarded for that belief,” said cornerback  Coby Bryant.

While the future is uncertain and the team’s composition will change, the players were proud of the foundation established in just two years under head coach Mike Macdonald. 

“ Everything started last year. When we got EJ, it all fell into place, “ said Tyrice Knight. Our connectedness kept our belief in each other. A lot of guys got hurt, but you wouldn’t know it. The coaches treated everyone as if they were a starter, and that is why we were able to overcome so much adversity.”

FIRST IMPRESSION LASTING IMPRESSION

For rookie Rylie Mills, DE from Notre Dame, his first season with a Seahawks was unimaginable.  “ I think it is just cool how everyone on this team, whether you’re a vet, rookie, 53-man roster, or practice squad, you get treated the same, ‘ said Mills. The Seahawks’ Super Bowl was extra special for Mills, who was the captain and starter for the  Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2024.  Mills suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the Irish ‘s first playoff game and watched the Irish make it to the College Championship game, where they lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes. “I never won anything in high school or college, so this is extra special for me,’ said Mills.