Respecting the Enemy: Seattle Seahawks

Too often in sport and in life we are negative. Too often we are hateful and too often we focus on bad stories. When I started this site, I wanted to point out the good guys in sport. However, I too sometimes fall into the captivity of negativity. I have posted my fair of negative stories as well. Here in America though, we are better than that. We do not need to physically fight for our team in sports. It is not necessary to hurt others to get our point across. While disagreeing with somebody, we can be civil and we can show respect. Therefore, I decided to do a little project.

This project was to point out likable things about the sports teams that I cannot stand. I decided to pick the three professional sports teams that I disliked the most and point out three brilliant people in their organization. Three people that I would love to have in my organization. Three people that I respect. I will say why I do not like that organization, but also point to brilliant people in that organization. This will be done for the Seattle Seahawks, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox.

Today, I start this project with the Seattle Seahawks. This is a team that I really liked at one point in time. They were in my top 5 NFL franchises. However, I do not like how they have been doing business lately.

I have never been a Pete Carroll fan and him ducking out of USC right before trouble struck is a reason why I cannot stand him. They are a well run organization personnel wise, but I just don't like Pete Carroll. I realize he is one of the best coaches around, but I don't agree with how he does things.

In addition to all of that, the Seehawks have had quite a few drug related suspensions or failed tests. Since 2010 the Seattle Seahawks have a league leading 5 PED suspensions. Those suspensions do not include the overturned suspension of one Richard Sherman. The cornerback tested positive in 2012, but had his test overturned on the same technicality that Ryan Braun got an overturned test...

Finally, I flat out do not like Richard Sherman. I do not like his antics on the field, his mouth, or his play. Sherman holds or interferes on 75% of his plays. Watch the tape. The dude straight up cheats, but if they let you get away with it, I guess it is okay.

Here is who I like on the Seattle Seahawks. (Note: I was able to use only current players and did not have to bust out FSU Legend Walter Jones.)

Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson is one of the most likable people in all of sports. This constant underdog just has a way of surpassing expectations. Ever since his time at NC State, Russell Wilson was the underdog and not expected to succeed to the level he did. There once was a time that Wilson was the backup to Harrison Beck at NC State. However, even during that Freshman season at NC State, I knew that Wilson was going to very special. There is just something about this guy.

Now look at this guy. The Super Bowl Champ. The 2nd black quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl as a starter. This guy continues to be underrated. Think about it, Russell Wilson was once considered a better baseball player than football player (sorry fellow FSU fans, Russell is better than Jameis at baseball). He was drafted as a baseball player by the Rockies and currently is in the Texas Rangers system. Wilson is a top 100 athlete currently and possibly during my lifetime when you consider what he has done and his ability to play multiple sports. Great athlete and great person.

Earl Thomas

Earl Thomas is the best player on the Seattle Seahawks. He is the best safety in the game right now. Thomas is the reason many people consider Richard Sherman to be the best cornerback in the game. Sherman is the mouth, but Thomas is the anchor of Seattle's defense. This guy is the one that is important. He is the one that leads by example and not by his mouth.

Ever since his days at Texas, it was easy to see that Earl Thomas was a fantastic football player. This guy just has it. Everything you want in a safety is Earl Thomas. He made plays in college and now he does it in the pros. If Thomas wasn't on the Seahawks, he would be one of my five favorite players in the NFL. I love this guy's game. Unfortunately, he is on the Seahawks, but he can sure play.

Kam Chancellor

Kam Chancellor is the guy who brings the BOOM in the legion of boom. He is the guy that really hits you. This guy is one of the hardest hitters in the league. However, I don't consider Chancellor a dirty player. I just consider Chancellor an awesome player. With his corners talking a big game, Chancellor and Thomas play a big game. It is much easier to play corner when you have the top safety duo in the league. You can't even try to dispute that the Seahawks had the best safety play either, Chancellor and Thomas were fantastic.
Chancellor is also an ACC guy, so he gets bonus points for me. Ever since his days at Virginia Tech, Chancellor has been bringing it. Ask Wes Welker what he thinks of Kam Chancellor. This guy can play some football!

-Noland