The Catch Up is a series to give fans a look into what their favorite Seahawks Legends are up to right now. This time around we caught up with former Pro-Bowl cornerback Shawn Springs. Following his playing days he started his own tech company and will soon be inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum next year.
First Impressions Matter: "They had a certain standard."
Before the 1997 draft, Shawn Springs knew he was going to be a top pick in the draft, but what he didn't know was that the Seattle Seahawks were willing to trade up to get him.
In that draft, the Seahawks traded up to get both Springs and Hall of Famer Walter Jones at No. 3 and No. 6, respectively.
"I knew I was going pretty high after I ran the combine and ran my 40 times and ran pretty fast. So I figured I was going top five," Springs said. "The Seahawks did not have a pick in the top ten they had like the 11th and 12th pick."
Springs recalls the Seahawks bringing a lot of staff to the combine and asking him how he thought he was going to do.
"I remember them coming and bringing a whole staff out to the workout. Dave Brown, legendary Dave Brown was there, and they were like 'What do you think you're going to do tomorrow?'." Springs said.
Springs responded that he was going run a 4.2, 40-yard dash, have a 40-inch vertical and that Ohio State athletes always crush it.
The Seahawks told Springs that if he put up those numbers then, "We have to trade up to get you." He remembers.
Springs went into the combine ran a 4.35 40-yard dash, jumped a 40-inch vertical and the Seahawks kept their word, traded up and picked him 3rd overall.
When Springs was drafted to the Seahawks he said, "Randy Mueller and Mr. Allen spent a lot of time talking to me about what it means to change an organization."
Springs was one of the first players drafted under the new ownership of Paul Allen and Springs said Allen explained the importance of that to him.
"[The Seahawks] had a certain standard, a certain type of athlete and a certain type of player they wanted to be able to represent the Seahawks and that community," Springs said. "I guess I was the one who led it off."
Kingdome Memories: "The Kingdome was a rough place."
"I liked playing the Kingdome because the weather was nice. You didn't have to worry about rain, it was like 70 degrees and perfect," Springs said on what it was like inside the Kingdome.
Springs mentioned the concrete and the noise level of playing in that atmosphere. But his favorite memory came from one specific game.
"We played a game against San Diego Chargers and they had a quarterback. I think it was like the second or third overall pick. Ryan Leaf, behind Peyton Manning and we had seven interceptions that day, and I remember he got benched. The backup comes in, we pick off the backup like three times, then he comes back and pick him off like couple more times. So, we end up having like seven interceptions," Spring said.
Springs said the players that he got to play in the Kingdome with like Warren Moon, Joey Galloway and the defense made the experience great.
"I just loved it, man. The Kingdome was a rough place. But it was a good atmosphere for us," Springs said.
When Springs was asked about the throwback uniforms that will be worn on Sunday, he said that there were a few players that came to mind when he thought of wearing the uniforms.
"Steve Largent, Dave Krieg and Cortez Kennedy and maybe Jacob Green."
Innovator Of The Generation: "I was really inspired by Mr. Allen."
Nowadays Springs is working on his company, Windpact, a technology company that he co-founded and is the CEO of.
"We provide technology and software to product developers and engineers. We do pattern system for helmets, working with Department of Defense, working with the military, working with the NFL," Springs explained.
To make the jump from football to the tech world sounds like a huge leap, but Springs said the Seahawks and Seattle directly impacted that decision.
"I was really inspired by Mr. Allen. When you think about when I was drafted in Seattle, it was a very unique time. Seattle was still a big, small town," He said.
Springs talked about how Amazon was beginning to sell books online and Starbucks and Microsoft were growing in the Pacific Northwest.
"For me that was inspiring to be 21 years old and see change. I literally saw Seattle from '97 to '04 and then to now change overnight because of the technology boom. So, that inspired me to want to be a part of technology," Springs said. "I just happened to be one of those young kids in the right place at the right time, to watch a city go from a big town to Silicon Forest."
Because of the work that Springs has accomplished with his tech company he will be inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum for 10 years as an innovator of the generation. The Smithsonian will be inducting three other people alongside Springs as innovators of sports.
"It didn't hit me, until one day me and my son were flying to Arizona. He was going to school out there and he was looking down. He was like, 'There's a lot of people in the world. Dad, do you know, how many people in their lifetime get to be a professional football player and considered an innovator in a generation'."
Shawn Springs played cornerback for 13 seasons in the NFL, including seven in Seattle. Springs was also a Pro Bowler. Take a look back at some of the best photos and moments from Springs' career in the NFL.
![through-the-years-shawn-springs](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_png/seahawks/stj5l68el1g9uvjeopsj.png)
![slide_ 020](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/u9vxyssnev1d4dx12eam.jpg)
![1_Springs charges forward, Miami 2000-214-12](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/kny8zi4ggcbmh6wygaxg.jpg)
![Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shawn Springs, right, intercepts a pass in the end zone in front of Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey in the second quarter in Denver's Mile High Stadium Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/j3x5va1lwdyqrqgzzozh.jpg)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shawn Springs, right, intercepts a pass in the end zone in front of Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey in the second quarter in Denver's Mile High Stadium Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
![2000_BILLS_SPRINGS_23CD3369](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/ggx5elwdm16aggsbprbx.jpg)
![1_Springs, Shawn 11-26-2000 410-3](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/fxdwmn4vnvhrfmpirvxg.jpg)
![Former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann poses with the winning AFC squad, including the Bills Antowain Smith, the Jets Chuck Clements, the Seahawks Shawn Springs, and the Chiefs Tony Gonzales, at the Rookie Beach Bowl on January 30, 1998, in Honolulu, H (AP Photo/NFL Photos)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/dwkcgsepjgbgwwmtkwf7.jpg)
Former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann poses with the winning AFC squad, including the Bills Antowain Smith, the Jets Chuck Clements, the Seahawks Shawn Springs, and the Chiefs Tony Gonzales, at the Rookie Beach Bowl on January 30, 1998, in Honolulu, H (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
![cst_2003_1BAE8084](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/jhtkddqgpad9n1lpkscp.jpg)
![Oakland Raiders' wide receiver Tim Brown (81) catches a first quarter touchdown pass over Seattle Seahawks' Shawn Springs (24) and Anthony Simmons (51) Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/g7vgmudwd08filvh3z5k.jpg)
Oakland Raiders' wide receiver Tim Brown (81) catches a first quarter touchdown pass over Seattle Seahawks' Shawn Springs (24) and Anthony Simmons (51) Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
![1_Springs, Shawn DB ready for snap vs Oakland Sept 8 2002](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/kxnc3zlgq8lerzs3ijg6.jpg)
![2003 RAMS 8B8G0652](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/lv5pvitm4737az02jsyf.jpg)
![Seattle Seahawks' Shawn Springs (24) intercepts a pass from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer in the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. Seahawks' Reggie Williams, lower left, and Jeff George, far right, watch as Cardinals' Frank Sanders (81), Jason McAddley, top left, and Steve Bush, right rear, defend. It was the second interception of the half for Plummer. (AP Photo/Rob Schumacher)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/oy3ociqthu2d4hnwvnm1.jpg)
Seattle Seahawks' Shawn Springs (24) intercepts a pass from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer in the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. Seahawks' Reggie Williams, lower left, and Jeff George, far right, watch as Cardinals' Frank Sanders (81), Jason McAddley, top left, and Steve Bush, right rear, defend. It was the second interception of the half for Plummer. (AP Photo/Rob Schumacher)
![2003 RAMS 8B8G0165](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/b3xkov1gzn9iwbkkbbin.jpg)
![1_Springs, Shawn DB moves to position vs Arizona Sept 15, 2002](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/amluhho5moqkuvkipuim.jpg)
![Tennessee Oilers Eddie George and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shawn Springs pose with Minnesota Vikings Chris Carter and Robert Smith on Pro Bowl Media Day before the AFC's 23-10 victory over the NFC in the 1999 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 7, 1999 at (AP Photo/NFL Photos)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/s7rwqgasqzdc8sxy52tt.jpg)
Tennessee Oilers Eddie George and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shawn Springs pose with Minnesota Vikings Chris Carter and Robert Smith on Pro Bowl Media Day before the AFC's 23-10 victory over the NFC in the 1999 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 7, 1999 at (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
![Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs (24) sacks St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (10) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct 12, 2008 in Landover, Md. The Rams won 19-17.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/auucqvoyjbtyavugibib.jpg)
Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs (24) sacks St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (10) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct 12, 2008 in Landover, Md. The Rams won 19-17.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
![* FILE * In this Dec. 6, 2007 file photo, Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz, right, tries to stop Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs during a second-quarter interception return during a football game in Landover, Md. Springs nearly retired during an off season of many personal difficulties. If the first game was any indication, the Washington Redskins need to have him back. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/ezcyipjc4fj2v7sblofg.jpg)
FILE In this Dec. 6, 2007 file photo, Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz, right, tries to stop Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs during a second-quarter interception return during a football game in Landover, Md. Springs nearly retired during an off season of many personal difficulties. If the first game was any indication, the Washington Redskins need to have him back. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
![Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs (24) and Philadelphia Eagles receiver Greg Lewis both miss a pass in the first quarter of their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/George Widman)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/qnjnqirh2mqlsmtabiwc.jpg)
Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs (24) and Philadelphia Eagles receiver Greg Lewis both miss a pass in the first quarter of their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/George Widman)
![Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs (24) breaks up a pass to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bryant Johnson (82) in the end zone during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/nzuhyxhe3vevrunvbnf1.jpg)
Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs (24) breaks up a pass to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bryant Johnson (82) in the end zone during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
![* FILE * Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs (24) intercepts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens on at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. in this Oct. 10, 2004 file photo. The Redskins will host Springs former team, the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Files)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/sv3n45bczjizhnhv3mpg.jpg)
FILE Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs (24) intercepts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens on at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. in this Oct. 10, 2004 file photo. The Redskins will host Springs former team, the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Files)
![Washington Redskins' Carlos Rogers (22), Shawn Springs (24) and Mark Brunell (8) watch from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Redskins, 36-0. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/d7c0id4c8ly0suxyc2zp.jpg)
Washington Redskins' Carlos Rogers (22), Shawn Springs (24) and Mark Brunell (8) watch from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Redskins, 36-0. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
![New England Patriots corner back Shawn Springs dashes towards the end zone against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/sn2ns9xmjytwmqdofmci.jpg)
New England Patriots corner back Shawn Springs dashes towards the end zone against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
![New England Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs (29) stretches before practice begins at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/ely2k0mabrmyz538qhmu.jpg)
New England Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs (29) stretches before practice begins at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
![New England Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs looks on during the first half of a NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/isfwqiwphi9tvfwv5dnw.jpg)
New England Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs looks on during the first half of a NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
![Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) breaks up a possible interception by New England Patriots' Shawn Springs (29) in overtime in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in Denver. The Broncos won 20-17. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/seahawks/hdfb2qoezro7mctt7dtb.jpg)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) breaks up a possible interception by New England Patriots' Shawn Springs (29) in overtime in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in Denver. The Broncos won 20-17. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)