The Catch Up is a series that gives fans a look into what their favorite Seahawks Legends are up to right now. This time around, we caught up with former Pro-Bowl running back Ricky Watters, who has been working on his own business called "Impact Wellness."
Throwbacks And The Kingdome: "It just has that nostalgic feeling that you can't replace."
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1991, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles from '95- '97 and finishing off his career playing for the Seahawks from 1998-2001, Ricky Watters made a name for himself as a dual threat running back. Throughout the course of his career, he rushed for over 10,000 yards, had over 4,000 receiving yards and earned five Pro Bowl selections.
During his time in Seattle, Watters played in the Kingdome before it was imploded and wore the throwback jerseys that the Seahawks are bringing back this season.
"I loved our old uniforms," Watters said. "I just thought the colors, the way they look, they had some of the nicest uniforms in the league, and I'm just glad they're bringing it back. I think that the fans love those uniforms."
The Seahawks wore the old royal blue and apple green from the 70s through the 90s, and Watters played for the Seahawks during an important time in the 90s for the franchise. Paul Allen purchased the team, preventing the Seahawks from leaving Seattle after the previous owner began the process of moving the team to Anaheim.
Talking about the throwback uniforms and playing in the 90s brought up old memories of the Kingdome for Watters.
"They had a big picture of me on the dome," he said. "It just was super awesome, amazing. Something that you'll never forget, and it doesn't matter how old you get or how successful you are, you still think back on those times, and they're really fond memories for me."
Of course, Watters mentioned how loud playing in the Kingdome was, he compared the noise of the fans to the sound of an airplane taking off.
"It was a very loud stadium, and it was fun to play there." Watters said.
Take a look back at photos of Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters. Watters played running back for 10 seasons in the NFL with the Seahawks, 49ers, and Eagles.
Seattle Seahawks Ricky Watters runs for yardage against the Kansas Chiefs Chiefs during an NFL football game on November 8, 1998 in Seattle. The Seahawks won the game, 24-12. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Seattle Seahawks Ricky Watters (32) during a game at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio against the Cleveland Browns from his 2001 season. The Seahawks beat the Browns 9-6. Ricky Watters played for 12 seasons with 3 different teams and was a 5-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Grady Jackson (90) tackles Seattle Seahawks running back Ricky Watters (32) on Sunday, September 30, 2001, in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 38-14. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ricky Watters (NFC, 32) carries the ball during the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, HI, Feb. 2, 1997. The AFC defeated the NFC 26-23. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ricky Watters (32) carries the ball against the Washington Redskins in Philadelphia, PA, Oct. 8, 1995. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 37-34. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ricky Watters (32) fights for yards during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, Dec. 29, 1996 in San Francisco, Calif. The 49ers won the game, 14-0. (Greg Trott via AP)
FILE - In this Sept. 10, 2000, file photo, St. Louis Rams' Devin Bush tackles Seattle Seahawks's Ricky Watters during the second half of an NFL football game in Seattle. No. 14 Michigan linebacker Devin Bush Jr. has always been coached by his father, a former Florida State and NFL defensive back, and both count that as a blessing. (AP Photo/John Froschauer, File)
Seattle Seahawks Ricky Watters (32) from his 1999 season with the Seattle Seahawks. Ricky Watters played for 10 season with 3 different teams and was a 5-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
Seattle Seahawks running back Ricky Watters (32) drinks Gatorade as he watches from the sideline during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on November 15, 1998, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 20-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ricky Watters (32) warms up before the NFL Pro Bowl, a 20 - 13 NFC victory on Feb. 4, 1996, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Seattle Seahawks running back Ricky Watters (32) carries the ball during a 23 - 0 loss to the Miami Dolphins during an NFL football game on Sept. 3, 2000 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
San Francisco 49ers running back Ricky Watters (32) shakes hands with Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (and former 49er) Jimmy Johnson at the NFL Pro Bowl, a 17 - 3 NFC victory on Feb. 6, 1994, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Seattle Seahawks running back Ricky Watters (32) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on November 15, 1998, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 20-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Seattle Seahawks running back Ricky Watters (32) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2000 in Oakland. The Raiders won the game, 31 to 3. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Seattle Seahawk running back Ricky Watters (32) is shown here Nov. 7, 1999 in their game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Seattle. Watters has had three 100 yard games in the past for games as the Seahawks lead their division. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ricky Watters (32) picks up five yards against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter Sunday afternoon, Nov. 3, 1996 in Irving, Texas, as Cowboys cornerback Kevin Smith (26) looks on. The Eagles won 31-21. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ricky Watters (32) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 21, 1997, in Landover, Md. (Allen Kee via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ricky Watters (32) heads downfield during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 24, 1995, in Oakland. The Raiders won the game, 48-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ricky Watters looks on from the sideline bench against the Chicago Bears during an NFL football game on December 24, 1995 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 20-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Philadelphia Eagles' Ricky Watters, (32) runs from the Green Bay Packers' Gabe Wilkins, as the Eagles' Jermane Mayberry blocks, in fourth quarter action in Philadelphia, Sunday, Sept. 7, 1997. The Eagles won 10-9. (AP Photo/Tim Shaffer)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angles Raiders at Candlestick Park Saturday, August 8, 1992. 49ers beat Raiders 24-10 in preseason game. San Francisco 49ers running back Ricky Watters (32) breaks away from Los Angles Raiders defensive back Torin Dorn (46). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers running back Ricky Watters (32) stands on the field ahead of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, FL, Nov. 14, 1993. The 49ers defeated the Buccaneers 45-21. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 23, 1994. 49ers beat Buccaneers 41-16. San Francisco 49ers running back Ricky Watters (32). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
San Francisco 49ers running back Ricky Watters (32) rests during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 18, 1992 in San Francisco. The 49ers won the game, 56 to 17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park Sunday, October 18, 1992. 49ers Beat Falcons 56-17. San Francisco 49ers running back Ricky Watters (32). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Ricky Watters of the San Francisco 49ers breaks free from Mike Johnson of Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 13, 1993. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
San Francisco 49ers' running back Ricky Watters celebrates in the end zone, Saturday, Jan.15, 1994, after scoring one of his five playoff record touchdowns against the New York Giants. The 49ers' defeated the Giants, 44-3, in the NFC divisional playoffs at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington Redskins at Candlestick Park Saturday, January 9,1993. 49ers Beat Redskins 20-13. San Francisco 49ers running back Ricky Watters (32). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Coming To Seattle: "Had my biggest achievements there, but it was also very challenging."
Seattle was the last stop in Watters' career, and he made sure to make the most of his time with the Seahawks.
When Watters got to Seattle, he was voted captain by the team. Watters said the younger players looked up to him.
"I'm very proud that they voted me captain and believed in me so much as their leader," he said. "And we still stay in touch. I stay in touch with all those young guys, the running backs. And now that means a lot to me to this day."
One memory that makes him the proudest of his time in Seattle was notching 10,000 rushing yards.
"In that same year, 2000, I went over the 10,000-yard mark. That's an amazing milestone for any running back," Watters said. "I was fortunate to have such a long, successful career."
Exploring Health And Wellness: "I know what it feels like to be in pain."
Over the years of playing football, notably at the pro level, there is a lot of wear and tear on an athlete's body, especially for running backs.
Watters noted how young players actually are when they are finished with football.
"When I think of life after football, a lot of us players are still young men and many still in their 20s and 30s when they hang up their cleats," he said. "And for me, I was 31 years old, and I still looked young and still felt I had much more life to live."
Despite being young, players, including Watters, have to deal with the football pain for the rest of their lives.
"What most people don't realize, how beat up our bodies are. I remember the great Jim Brown. He's one of my biggest mentors. He just passed away earlier this year. Great one. He once told me this, and it inspired me to start focusing. He told me that 'All the injuries that you sustain, all the pain that you're going through in your career, it comes back with vengeance.'" Watters said, adding that he didn't quite understand what Jim Brown told him at first, but over the years it made more sense.
After finishing off his career, Watters said he was still an active person, but he could feel the pain from football coming back, which inspired him to start focusing on health and wellness.
"I didn't want pain and injury to keep me from enjoying the rest of my life," he said. "And I knew I wasn't alone. All of my teammates were quietly suffering too. So, I developed a natural product line to help with pain and anxiety and to help us sleep through the night."
Watters said the anxiety comes from a fear of missing something related to football.
"It's kind of like thinking about the game or, oh, am I late for a game? Or I need to be thinking about these plays or whatever when I don't have to think about them anymore. But it still is there long after you stop playing," Watters said.
He's excited about the line of products that he's used himself and found relief from the pains of playing football.
"I know they work, and I want to share them with everyone," he said. "Everyone who's in pain, anyone who's dealing with it. I think these products can help them. So that's what I'm doing now. I guess I'm the health and wellness guy."
You can visit his website at Impact Wellness by Ricky Watters.
Seahawks legendary running back Ricky Watters was chosen to raise the 12 Flag for Week 1 of the 2023 season vs. the Rams. Watters was one of several former players on hand as part of Seahawks Legends Weekend.
Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters raises the 12 Flag ahead of the season debut against the L.A. Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on September 10, 2023.
Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters raises the 12 Flag ahead of the season debut against the L.A. Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on September 10, 2023.
Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters raises the 12 Flag ahead of the season debut against the L.A. Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on September 10, 2023.
Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters raises the 12 Flag ahead of the season debut against the L.A. Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on September 10, 2023.
Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters raises the 12 Flag ahead of the season debut against the L.A. Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on September 10, 2023.
Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters raises the 12 Flag ahead of the season debut against the L.A. Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on September 10, 2023.
Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters raises the 12 Flag ahead of the season debut against the L.A. Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on September 10, 2023.
Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters raises the 12 Flag ahead of the season debut against the L.A. Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on September 10, 2023.
Seahawks Legend Ricky Watters raises the 12 Flag ahead of the season debut against the L.A. Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on September 10, 2023.
