To some degree, Julian Love was betting on himself when he signed with the Seahawks as a free agent last spring.
After all, the former Giants starter was coming off the best season of his career, he had multiple options, and by signing with the Seahawks, he was joining a team that already had two Pro-Bowl safeties on the roster at the time, meaning his role was at least a little bit undefined.
That decision, of course, worked out well for Love, who went on to earn Pro-Bowl honors for his play in 2023, and on Thursday, his decision to join the Seahawks paid off financially as well when he signed a three-year contract extension.
"It's huge, it means everything," Love said after signing his contract with his wife, Julia, and son, Noah at his side. "I think my career has been defined by having a lot of patience, just taking ahold of every opportunity that I've had, and just trying to stay as productive and consistent as I can. This is a culmination of all of that, so I'm extremely proud.
"I just try to be productive as I can in every opportunity I've been given, and that's the story of my career I feel like. I was taking a chance on myself, but when in doubt I always bet on myself."
Love, 26, spent his first four seasons with the Giants, becoming a full-time starter and team captain in 2022. When he joined the Seahawks, he began the season with a significant role in the defense as a third safety, but was not an every-down player thanks to the presence of Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams.
"I'm coming off from being a captain, being the starting guy, playing almost 100 percent of the snaps last year, into a situation where I have two top quality, high character safeties," Love said last season of his decision to sign with Seattle. "And I had to make a choice like, 'OK, do I want to be the man somewhere or do I want to be somewhere where I can win, I can grow, I can just learn from?'"
Love's play, as well as Adams' injuries, led to Love eventually becoming a starter and he finished the year with career highs in interceptions (4) and passes defensed (10) while recording 110 tackles on defense as well as a team-leading 13 special teams tackles. In other words, Love did what he set out to when he signed with Seattle—he learned, he grew, and in doing so he became "the man," as he put it, with the Seahawks.
Love had plenty of big plays and memorable moments throughout the season, but his brightest moment came in prime time in Week 16 when he had a pair of interceptions in a win over the Eagles, including a spectacular pick in the game's final minute to clinch the victory.
Love did all of that playing for a different coaching staff last season, but it didn't take long for him to also make a strong impression on new Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald and his coaching staff.
"On the field he has elite poise, and that's something we're chasing," Macdonald said during OTAs. "If something doesn't go our way, let's keep our poise, play the next play. The game is slow to him, so to be able to communicate at a high level shows you what it should feel like when he's out there.
"We have several guys like that so really exciting about that. J Love in particular, a guy that will be able to move around, change some different spots. You don't see that yet, but he'll be a guy we'll be able to move around and utilize in a pretty sweet way."
It was also an eventful year off the field for Love, with him and his wife, Julia, welcoming their first child, a boy named Noah during the season, an in-season birth that led to him missing an entire week of practice before flying to Nashville for Seattle’s Christmas Eve game against the Titans a day after the rest of the team had flown east.
Now, with Adams and Diggs no longer on the team, Love is a starter and leader on the defense, and on Thursday, he secured his future with the Seahawks.
The Seahawks held their first practice of training camp on Wednesday, July, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Darrell Taylor (52) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Lance Boykin (18) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Williams (33) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) and nose tackle Matt Gotel (77) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback D.J. James (29) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Tyler Mabry (85) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marcus Simms (18) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marcus Simms (18) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) with defensive coordinator Aden Durde at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0) and linebacker Jerome Baker (17) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (55) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) with defensive coordinator Aden Durde at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Artie Burns (23) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Lance Boykin (18) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and cornerback Tre Brown (22) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. (13) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on day one of training camp on July 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
