Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin is headed to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year. Baldwin, who was initially selected as an alternate for the all-star showcase in Orlando, will replace Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who is unable to participate due to injury.
Baldwin finished the season with 75 catches for 991 yards and eight touchdowns, giving him 3,188 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns over the past three seasons. Baldwin has led the Seahawks in receptions and receiving yards each of the past four seasons, a feat he also accomplished as a rookie in 2011.
It's fitting that Baldwin is the player taking over for Fitzgerald. Just last week, Baldwin talked at length about how much Fitzgerald has helped him in his career, particularly in some workouts early in Baldwin's career.
"It just changed my perspective on the game of football," Baldwin said. "Before, I was just getting by on my athleticism, but talking to Larry and some other guys across the league, they really taught me the chess match that's within the game of football. I think, personally, Larry is probably the best body language and mannerism manipulator at the receiver position. He does an excellent job of just not giving anything away and also telling people that he's going one way when he's actually going the other way, so it's incredible to watch. It's really artwork on the football field to me."
Baldwin makes it five Seahawks named to this year's Pro Bowl along with linebacker Bobby Wagner, safety Earl Thomas, quarterback Russell Wilson and tight end Jimmy Graham, who were selected to the initial NFC roster when it was announced last month.
Team photographer Rod Mar shares exclusive behind-the-scenes images from the Seahawks' 26-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals during Week 17 to finish the season at CenturyLink Field.
On the field, offensive tackle Germain Ifedi gets loose during early pregame warmups.
Offensive guard Ethan Pocic works on technique as the winter sun beams into CenturyLink Field.
Quarterback Russell Wilson warms up before the game.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and team owner Paul Allen shake hands on the field before the game.
Defensive end Frank Clark leaves the locker room for the game.
The Seahawks enter the tunnel for pregame introductions.
Bobby Wagner listens for the roar of the 12s as he waits to be introduced during pregame.
Seattle's K.J. Wright corrals Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald during the first quarter.
Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett pressures Arizona quarterback Drew Stanton.
Seattle's Tyler Lockett heads upfield with a kickoff return for touchdown to put the Seahawks on the board.
Seattle's Tyler Lockett dances away from the final Cardinals defender on his kickoff return for touchdown.
Quarterback Russell Wilson throws a pass in the first half.
Sea Gal Kylie smiles during the final home game of the season.
The Seahawks huddle around quarterback Russell Wilson during the second quarter.
Seattle's K.J. Wright and Branden Jackson make a tackle in the second quarter.
Seattle's Garrison Smith celebrates after a tackle for loss.
12s cheer on their team during the first half.
At halftime, quarterback Russell Wilson greeted teammates with encouragement as they returned to the locker room.
Head coach Pete Carroll and defensive end Michael Bennett talk as they leave the locker room at the end of halftime.
Running back Mike Davis delivers a stiff-arm to a Cardinals defender in the third quarter.
Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham finds running room after catching a fourth down pass for a 20-yard gain to keep a drive alive in the third quarter.
This fan was warm and cozy as she watched from the north end zone.
The sun shone on CenturyLink Field for the final game of the season.
Injured cornerback Richard Sherman watches from behind the Seahawks bench.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin knocks a pass away intended for Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson hurdles failen tight end Luke Willson, who dove to make a block to give Wilson additional running room.
Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin hauls in a 29-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to give Seattle a lead in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks kicker Blair Walsh, along with teammates Luke Joeckel and Jimmy Graham, walk off the field after a missed field goal in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll addresses the team in the locker room after the final game of the season.
