The History of Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are a professional football team that plays in the National Football League (NFL). They are based in Seattle, Washington, and were founded in 1976 as an expansion team along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Seahawks have had an eventful history that includes early struggles, a dominant period in the 1980s, and a recent resurgence that saw them win their first Super Bowl in 2014. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history of the Seattle Seahawks and explore the key events and players that have shaped their journey. 

During the team's early years, they struggled to find success on the field. They failed to make the playoffs during their first seven seasons in the league. The Seahawks' early struggles were partly due to a lack of talent on the roster, but they also faced difficulties due to their location. Seattle was a relatively small market then, and the team needed help to attract fans and build a fan base.

Despite the early difficulties, the Seahawks did have some standout players during this period. Wide receiver Steve Largent was one of the team's best players and would have a Hall of Fame career. Largent was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1976 but was traded to the Seahawks before the start of the season. In his first season with the Seahawks, Largent had 54 catches for 705 yards and six touchdowns. He would become the Seahawks' all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

Another player who made an impact during the team's early years was quarterback Dave Krieg. Krieg was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1980 and quickly became the team's starting quarterback. He led the team to its first playoff appearance in 1983 and would go on to play for the Seahawks for 12 seasons. Krieg is still the team's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.

Despite the lack of success on the field, the Seahawks also had some memorable moments during their early years. In 1979, the team played a game against the Chicago Bears in the Kingdom that became known as the "Monday Night Miracle." The Seahawks were down 19-0 with just over six minutes remaining in the game but scored three touchdowns in the final minutes to win 27-19.

In conclusion, the Seattle Seahawks' early years were marked by struggles on the field and difficulties in building a fan base. However, the team had some standout players, such as Steve Largent and Dave Krieg, and they had some memorable moments during this period. While they did not experience much success in the early years, the Seahawks' fortunes would change in the future.

Sources:

• "Seattle Seahawks Franchise Encyclopedia" by Pro Football Reference

• "The 25-year-long history of the Seattle Seahawks" by Seahawks Wire

• "Seattle Seahawks History" by NFL.com

In 1983, the Seattle Seahawks hired Chuck Knox as their head coach, marking a turning point in their fortunes. Knox had previously coached the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills and had a reputation as a no-nonsense coach emphasizing a physical, run-first style of football. Knox immediately implemented his philosophy with the Seahawks, and the team quickly became a force in the NFL.

Under Knox's guidance, the Seahawks made the playoffs four times and won their first division title in 1988. The team had a strong defense during this period, anchored by players such as defensive end Jacob Green and linebacker Brian Bosworth. The offense was also potent, with running back Curt Warner and wide receiver Brian Blades leading the way.

Warner was the Seahawks' first-round draft pick in 1983, and he quickly became one of the best running backs in the NFL. He rushed for over 1,400 yards in his rookie season and scored 14 touchdowns. Warner's success helped to establish the Seahawks as a physical, run-first team that opponents had trouble stopping.

Blades, drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft, quickly became one of the team's best wide receivers. He had his best season in 1989 when he caught 80 passes for 1,178 yards and seven touchdowns. Blades was also known for his toughness and ability to make tough catches in traffic.

The Seahawks' defense during this period was known as the "Gang Green" defense, and it was one of the best in the NFL. The defense was led by players such as Green, Bosworth, and safety Eugene Robinson. Green, who played for the Seahawks from 1980 to 1991, is still the team's all-time leader in sacks with 97.5. Bosworth, who played for the Seahawks from 1987 to 1989, was one of the most polarizing players in the NFL during his time with the team. He was known for his wild hairstyles and outspoken personality, but he was also a talented player who helped anchor the Seahawks' defense.

The Seahawks' success under Knox was mainly due to his coaching philosophy, emphasized toughness and physicality. The team was known for its hard-hitting defense and decisive running game, which wore down opponents. While the team did not win a Super Bowl during Knox's tenure, they established themselves as one of the best teams in the NFL during the 1980s.

In conclusion, Chuck Knox's tenure as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks was marked by a commitment to toughness and physicality that helped to establish the team as one of the best in the NFL. The team's defense, led by players such as Jacob Green and Brian Bosworth, was one of the most feared in the league, and the offense, led by Curt Warner and Brian Blades, was potent and efficient. While the Seahawks did not win a Super Bowl during this period, they laid the foundation for future success.

Sources:

• "Seattle Seahawks Franchise Encyclopedia" by Pro Football Reference

• "Chuck Knox, coach of Seahawks' first playoff team, dies at 86," by ESPN

• "Remembering the Seattle Seahawks' Great Teams of the 1980s" by Bleacher Report

In 1992, the Seattle Seahawks hired Dennis Erickson as their head coach. Erickson had previously coached at the college level, leading the University of Miami to two national championships in the 1980s. With the Seahawks, Erickson helped to continue the team's success and led them to their first division title in six years.

During Erickson's tenure, the Seahawks made the playoffs four times, and they had a winning record in five of his seven seasons with the team. The team also had standout players such as quarterback Rick Mirer and defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy.

Mirer was the Seahawks' first-round draft pick in 1993 and quickly became the team's starting quarterback. He had a solid rookie season, throwing over 2,800 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, he struggled in his second season, throwing for just nine touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Despite these struggles, Mirer remained the team's starting quarterback for several seasons and helped lead the team to the playoffs in 1997.

Kennedy was drafted by the Seahawks in 1990, but he indeed emerged as a dominant player during Erickson's tenure. Kennedy was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 and was a six-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Seahawks. Kennedy was known for his strength and ability to disrupt opposing offenses and helped anchor the Seahawks' defense during this period.

The Seahawks also had some other talented players during Erickson's tenure, including wide receiver Joey Galloway and running back Chris Warren. The Seahawks drafted Galloway in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft, and he quickly became one of the team's best receivers. In his rookie season, he caught 67 passes for 1,039 yards and seven touchdowns. Warren, who played for the Seahawks from 1990 to 1997, was powerful running back who rushed for over 1,000 yards in four seasons with the team.

Despite the team's success under Erickson, there were also some disappointments. The Seahawks made the playoffs four times during his tenure but needed help to advance past the divisional round. Erickson left the team after the 1998 season to take the head coaching job at Oregon State University.

In conclusion, the Dennis Erickson era was marked by a continuation of the Seattle Seahawks success, as the team made the playoffs four times during his tenure. The couple had standout players such as Rick Mirer, Cortez Kennedy, and Joey Galloway, and they had a solid roster that was competitive in the tough AFC West division. However, the team could not advance deep into the playoffs, and Erickson ultimately left after the 1998 season.

Sources:

• "Seattle Seahawks Franchise Encyclopedia" by Pro Football Reference

• "Dennis Erickson, former Seattle Seahawks coach, remembers a proud, troubled team that fell just short" by Seattle Times

• "Cortez Kennedy, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Seattle Seahawks great, dies at 48" by NFL.com

In 1999, the Seattle Seahawks hired Mike Holmgren as their head coach and general manager. Holmgren had previously coached the Green Bay Packers, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 1997. With the Seahawks, Holmgren brought a winning culture to the team and helped them to become one of the best in the NFL.

During Holmgren's tenure, the Seahawks made the playoffs five times, and they had a winning record in seven of his ten seasons with the team. The team also had standout players such as quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and running back Shaun Alexander.

Hasselbeck was acquired by the Seahawks in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in 2001. He quickly became the team's starting quarterback and had his best season in 2005, throwing for over 3,400 yards and 24 touchdowns. Hasselbeck was known for his accuracy and ability to read defenses, and he helped lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl in 2005.

The Seahawks drafted Alexander in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft, and he quickly emerged as one of the best running backs in the NFL. He led the league in rushing in 2005, rushing for over 1,800 yards and scoring 28 touchdowns. Alexander was named the league's Most Valuable Player that season and helped to lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl.

The Seahawks Super Bowl run in 2005 was one of the highlights of Holmgren's tenure with the team. The team won their division with a record of 13-3 and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. In the divisional round, they defeated the Washington Redskins 20-10, and they then defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-14 in the NFC Championship game.

In Super Bowl XL, the Seahawks faced the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game was played in Detroit, Michigan, and was marked by controversy, as the Seahawks felt they were the victims of several questionable calls by the officials. Despite these issues, the Seahawks played well and had a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter. However, a controversial call on a touchdown catch by wide receiver Darrell Jackson and a crucial interception by Hasselbeck helped seal the Seahawks' fate. They ultimately lost the game 21-10.

While the loss in the Super Bowl was disappointing, the Seahawks' run to the championship game was a testament to the team's success under Holmgren. Holmgren brought a winning culture to the team and helped to establish the Seahawks as one of the best teams in the NFL during his tenure.

In conclusion, Mike Holmgren's tenure as head coach and general manager of the Seattle Seahawks was marked by a commitment to winning and the development of standout players such as Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander. The team made the playoffs five times during his tenure and advanced to the Super Bowl in 2005. While they were ultimately unsuccessful in their quest for a championship, the Seahawks' success during this period laid the foundation for future success.

Sources:

• "Seattle Seahawks Franchise Encyclopedia" by Pro Football Reference

• "Seahawks Hire Mike Holmgren" by Seattle Times

• "Super Bowl XL: Seahawks vs. Steelers" by NFL.com

In 2010, the Seattle Seahawks hired Pete Carroll as their head coach, marking a new era for the team. Carroll had previously coached at the college level, leading the University of Southern California to two national championships. With the Seahawks, Carroll brought new energy and enthusiasm to the team and helped to establish a winning culture.

During Carroll's tenure, the Seahawks made the playoffs six times, and they had a winning record in seven of his nine seasons with the team. The team also had standout players such as quarterback Russell Wilson, cornerback Richard Sherman, and safety Earl Thomas.

The Seahawks drafted Wilson in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and he quickly emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He had his best season in 2015, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns. Wilson was known for his athleticism and ability to make plays with his arm and legs, and he helped lead the Seahawks to two Super Bowls during his time with the team.

Sherman and Thomas were part of the Seahawks "Legion of Boom" defense, which was one of the best in the NFL during Carroll's tenure. The reason was known for its physicality and ability to create turnovers, which helped to anchor the team's success during this period.

The Seahawks Super Bowl victory in 2013 was one of the highlights of Carroll's tenure with the team. The team won their division with a record of 13-3 and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. In the divisional round, they defeated the New Orleans Saints 23-15 and the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 in the NFC Championship game.

In Super Bowl XLVIII, the Seahawks faced the Denver Broncos. The game was played in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and was dominated by the Seahawks defense. The defense intercepted Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning twice and held the Broncos to just eight points in a 43-8 victory. The win was the first Super Bowl victory in the Seahawks' history and solidified the team's status as one of the best in the NFL.

While the team could not repeat as Super Bowl champions the following season, the Seahawks remained competitive during Carroll's tenure. They made the playoffs five times in his last six seasons with the team and had a winning record in each of those seasons.

In conclusion, Pete Carroll's tenure as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks was marked by a commitment to winning and the development of standout players such as Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, and Earl Thomas. The team won its first Super Bowl championship in 2013 and remained competitive throughout Carroll's tenure. While he ultimately left the team after the 2019 season, Carroll's impact on the Seahawks will be felt for years.

Sources:

• "Seattle Seahawks Franchise Encyclopedia" by Pro Football Reference

• "Pete Carroll Named Seahawks Head Coach" by Seattle Times

• "Super Bowl XLVIII: Seahawks vs. Broncos" by NFL.com

Since winning the Super Bowl in 2013, the Seattle Seahawks have remained competitive in the NFL. Under head coach Pete Carroll, the team has continued to develop young talent and has remained one of the best teams in the league.

During this period, the Seahawks have had standout players such as quarterback Russell Wilson, linebacker Bobby Wagner, and safety Earl Thomas. Wilson has continued to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league, leading the team to two more playoff appearances since the Super Bowl victory in 2013. Wagner has emerged as one of the best linebackers in the league and has been named to the Pro Bowl in the last six seasons. Thomas, who played for the Seahawks from 2010 to 2018, was a vital part of the team's defense and was named to the Pro Bowl six times during his time with the team.

The Seahawks have made the playoffs in six of the last eight seasons and have advanced to the divisional round or beyond in each of those playoff appearances. The team had some close calls in the playoffs, including a last-minute loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. However, the team has remained competitive and has continued to be one of the best teams in the league.

The Seahawks have been committed to positively impacting the community off the field. The team's players and staff have been involved in various charitable and community service activities and recognized for their efforts. In 2018, the team was named the most charitable team in the NFL by the NFL Players Association.

Looking to the future, the Seahawks appear well-positioned to continue their success. The team has a solid roster that includes some of the best players in the league and a coaching staff committed to winning. While the team has had some ups and downs in recent years, they remain one of the best teams in the NFL and will likely continue to be competitive in the years to come.

In conclusion, the current era of the Seattle Seahawks has been marked by continued success on the field and a commitment to positively impacting the community. The team has had standout players such as Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, and Earl Thomas, and they have remained one of the best teams in the league. Looking to the future, the Seahawks appear well-positioned to continue their success and be competitive in the years to come.

Sources:

• "Seattle Seahawks Franchise Encyclopedia" by Pro Football Reference

• "Most Charitable Teams in the NFL" by NFLPA

The Seattle Seahawks have a rich history that has seen the team rise from an expansion team in the 1970s to one of the most successful franchises in the NFL today. The team has had some ups and downs, but they have always remained competitive and committed to winning.

The Seahawks have had many standout players, including Steve Largent, Cortez Kennedy, Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, and many others. These players have helped establish the Seahawks as a team that is always in contention for a playoff spot and a championship.

The Seahawks have been committed to positively impacting the community off the field. The team's players and staff have been involved in various charitable and community service activities and recognized for their efforts.

Looking to the future, the Seahawks appear well-positioned to continue their success. They have a solid roster that includes some of the best players in the league and a coaching staff committed to winning. While the team has had some ups and downs in recent years, they remain one of the best teams in the NFL and will likely continue to be competitive in the years to come.

In conclusion, the Seattle Seahawks have a rich history that has seen the team achieve success both on and off the field. With a commitment to winning and a dedication to making a positive impact in the community, the Seahawks are a team that will continue to be a force in the NFL for years to come.

Sources:

• "Seattle Seahawks Franchise Encyclopedia" by Pro Football Reference

• "Most Charitable Teams in the NFL" by NFLPA