Four Seahawks—quarterback Geno Smith, kicker Jason Myers, safety Quandre Diggs and rookie corner Tariq Woolen—earned Pro Bowl nods for their roles in helping the team go 9-8 and earn an NFC Wild Card berth. Episode 10 of The Sound begins with Seattle's 41-23 playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers before fast-forwarding to the Pro Bowl festivities.
In the ultimate year of redemption, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith still hasn't written back or stopped his commitment to giving back. In addition to playing against his peers as one of the top players in the league as a Pro-Bowler, Smith also got to spend time with the youth in Las Vegas. The AP Comeback Player of the Year got some time to bask in a career year as he painted murals and played with the youth of the Las Vegas Boys & Girls Club.
"It feels good," said Smith. "I'm very grateful for the fans who voted, for the coaches and players who voted and then for the opportunity to play with the guys I've been able to play with. The receivers, the backs, the linemen. Everybody contributed to this, Shane (Waldron) calling great plays. I'm happy, I'm grateful and very thankful for this."
The Sound has given a close look at Smith's historic 2022 campaign, his first season as a starter since 2014, and one that led to him and the Seahawks agreeing to a contract extension this week. Episode 10 gives us a look at the ever-humble quarterback in a relaxed setting, as he takes in the Pro Bowl week festivities.
A year ago, safety Quandre Diggs broke his fibula in the final game of the 2021 season. Episode 10 gives us a look at the Texas alum as he enjoys his third-consecutive Pro Bowl, but first as a participant in the festivities (there was no Pro Bowl after the 2020 season due to COVID-19). From shopping with his daughter for bath bombs at H&M, to buying sneakers on the Las Vegas strip, Episode 10 is another reminder that our favorite stars are human. Diggs' reflected on his speedy recovery and the blessing of being voted to another Pro Bowl.
"It's sweet," said Diggs. "To be able to go back to the Pro Bowl for the third-consecutive year, but also to come off of what I came off of. I was just looking at videos last night of me not being able to cut until June 5th. So for me, it's super special."
Rookie corner Tariq Woolen capped off a first-year for the history books, as his six interceptions set a Seahawks franchise record for rookies in a season. Episode 10 showcases the humility of the University of Texas-San Antonio alum.
"When I got chosen," said Woolen. "I was looking at the roster and stuff like 'Dang, I'm gonna be on a team with Trevon Diggs, Jaire (Alexander) and Darius Slay. Those cornerbacks right there it just says it for itself. Those guys, the way they play and their style of play, who wouldn't want to be around guys like that?"
The episode closes with another record-breaking rookie, running back Kenneth Walker III. Becoming the second Seahawks rookie in team history, along with Curt Warner, to rush for 1,000-yards was no small task. In just 15 games, Walker notched 1,050 yards along with nine touchdowns, both NFL highs among rookies, on 228 carries. The Michigan State alum reflects on the year and what's to come in Episode 10 as he talks to Seahawks sideline reporter Jen Mueller.
"I would say it was a journey," said Walker. "I think it was a journey because I had to be patient with certain things. Just a great experience and a blessing, being around the guys they made it much easier for me and the other rookies to come in here and perform."
With so much to build on, optimism is high for Seattle's offseason. Check out the final episode of The Sound for the 2022 season here.
Behind-the-scenes of episode 10 of The Sound, featuring the final days of the Seahawks season, including locker room clean out day, scenes from the Pro Bowl Gams, and more. Read more here.