NASHVILLE—During a red-zone drill in Thursday's joint practice between the Seahawks and Titans, cornerback Devon Witherspoon broke up a pass intended for receiver Calvin Ridley, then, as Witherspoon is wont to do, he talked some trash while walking off the sideline.
On the next field over, Titans safeties Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams observed from the back of the end zone, almost looking like proud parents as they watched their former teammate talk his talk after walking the walk.
But then, because as is the case for so many hypercompetitive athletes, Diggs, Adams and Witherspoon's love language is trash talk, the back-and-forth banter quickly ensued. We're not allowed to share the details here, but let's just say it was hilarious, R-rated, and most importantly, all in good fun, with all three players sporting big grins throughout. As the back and forth continued, more Seahawks players got in on the fun, including Geno Smith and Jarran Reed. Spoon and his teammates only turned up the volume when, in the midst of all that banter, rookie cornerback Carlton Johnson intercepted a pass in the end zone, one of at least three picks Seahawks corners had on the day.
In two days of competitive work between the Titans and Seahawks, things never really crossed the line, but there was plenty of spirited banter back and forth, and that was especially true when it came to Diggs and Adams, a pair of Pro-Bowl safeties who both signed with Tennessee this summer after being released by the Seahawks for salary cap reasons last spring, and Witherspoon, who has quickly become both one of the Seahawks' most vocal players, and one of their best.
And while it was dressed up in swearing, trash talk and other banter, there was plenty of love there as well between Seahawks past and present.
"If y'all could have been in our DB room last year, that's small talk," Diggs said after practice. "That's just how we talk. I miss those guys, I love those guys…. Ya'll know Spoon, you see how Spoon gets down, that's how he, and all the guys, that's dope. That's a brotherhood for life."
Added Witherspoon, "Oh yeah, you know how we do. Jamal, that's my boy, that's my dog, so we can talk trash to each other and it's nothing but love. So, that's why me and him do that all the time."
"It's been cool though, it's been fun. I don't like getting beat and I had gotten beat a couple times yesterday, a couple times today. All in all, I just got to be better. Competition is always bringing the best out of you."
To Witherspoon's point, he did get better Thursday, a day that culminated with him intercepting Titans quarterback Will Levis on the first play of a 2-minute drill. After securing the pick along the Titans sideline, Witherspoon ran down the sideline until he found Adams, handing him the ball before running off to celebrate with his teammates.
"He was ducking me, he was hiding from me," Witherspoon said with a smile. "He (was) just talking trash, so you know I was coming to see my dawg. But yeah, I was looking for him so I could get him the ball and show him that's how you do it, for real. That's how you really run this defense."
Safety Julian Love, who joined the Seahawks last year when Diggs and Adams were the leaders at his position, also enjoyed the reunion, both in terms of seeing his friends and former teammates, and also in the fun banter that came with it.
"We're going to talk, they're going to talk, but we love those guys," Love said. "Obviously after practice we all chop it up. They were the two leaders in our room last year, so it was good to see them out here doing what they do. Obviously, we had to show out, and I think we did on defense. I think the ones, I think we did our thing today. I think we dominated. So of course you've got to gas up everything, celebrate and make it known that you made plays."
On Witherspoon in particular, Love noted, "Spoon's going to talk, but he backs it up."
And that's a key part of all of this. For a player to bring the level of swagger Witherspoon exhibits on the field, he better back that up, and through his first NFL season, which included Pro-Bowl honors, and into his second training camp, Witherspoon has shown he has elite talent to match his elite smack talk.
"Man, I think he can be one of the best," Diggs said. "The energy, how smart he is, he's competitive as heck. He makes a play over there, he's yelling across to the other side of the field to us, just the back-and-forth. And like I said, he's super smart, I respect the heck out of him. He's probably one of my favorite teammates ever, just because you know what he's going to be on every day, and I know how competitive he is. And he listens, so whenever he has anything he needs from me, he knows I'm always there for him."
Added Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald, who has developed a fun banter with Witherspoon, both on the field and in press conferences, "I know we do the joking thing back and forth, but we love him. He's a great player and we expect great things out of him. For him to make plays on the ball like he did today, that's what our team needs (and we're happy for him). He's working his tail off, he's very detail oriented, he does not make the same mistake twice. He's doing a great job. I'm happy for him to have some production on the ball, and it helps our team too which is nice."
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And Diggs came away from the week impressed with more than just Witherspoon and Seattle's secondary. He also liked what he saw from Geno Smith operating Ryan Grubb's offense.
"Geno looked good," Diggs said. "That's my dog. Me and G talk all the time. I heard he's been killing it in camp. I'm excited to see him in that offense, he loves the offense. Heck of a player, heck of a teammate, friend, all of that. You can always count on G if you need somebody to talk to or anything like that. One of my guys for life, for sure."
Long after practice had ended, Diggs remained on the field with his family catching up with former teammates, coaches and Seahawks staff members, putting a cap on two days in which he had a chance to get in some competitive work while also reconnecting with people who came to mean a lot to him over his four and a half seasons in Seattle.
"It's been dope," Diggs said. "For me, no other team I'd rather joint practice than my guys over there. They know how to practice, we know how to practice, guys aren't on the BS. We just came and got great days of work, go out and compete on Saturday. Great to see a lot of people I haven't seen in a while, people I talk to frequently. It's been cool."
The Seahawks traveled to Nashville, TN to participate in joint practices with the Titans on August 14, 2024 to prepare for the week 2 preseason matchup.
Seahawks linebacker Easton Gibbs (56) and safety Ty Okada (39) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback D.J. James (29) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
The Seahawks practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Blake Lynch (40) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Easton Gibbs (56) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kairee Robinson (35) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kobe Lewis (44) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83)practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Ty Scott (0) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive tackle Mario Kendricks (92) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end DeVere Levelston (98) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive tackle Kyon Barrs (73) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (55) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Nelson Ceaser (46) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Tyler Mabry (85) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kobe Lewis (44) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kairee Robinson (35) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks strong safety K'Von Wallace (24) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Willie Roberts (34) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks safety Marquise Blair (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) with former NFL player Ryan Clark at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
The Seahawks practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Hayden Hatten (84) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and strong safety K'Von Wallace (24) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7), quarterback PJ Walker (15) and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
The Seahawks practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) and tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and the offense practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and the offense practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks center Connor Williams (57) at practice against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Ty Scott (0) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tackle Raiqwon O'Neal (79) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tight end Tyler Mabry (85) and quarterback PJ Walker (15) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) and former Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) and former Seahawks safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) and former Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) practiced against the Tennessee Titans on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Former Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) with former teammates Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs at practice on August 14, 2024 in Nashville, TN.
