Seattle Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf is one of the NFL's youngest stars at just 24-years-old, and the sky's the limit. In July, Seattle extended Metcalf, an emotional moment serving as a metaphor for his budding career. Episode 4 of 'The Sound' takes us behind the scenes to truly find out who DK Metcalf is, and his why.
Episode 4 brings us to July 29 at Virginia Mason Athletic Center as Metcalf comes to sign his new contract. Metcalf took the podium with Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll and General Manager John Schneider after the ink dried on the deal to address the media.
"I want to thank you for your professionalism and patience through this process," said Schneider "I thought it was really fitting looking back and ironic that Kam Chancellor was able to be at the 2019 Draft and be able to introduce DK with the No.64 pick."
We are taken back to the final pick of the second round on draft night 2019, when Chancellor selected the University of Mississippi star. Schneider picks up the phone to inform an emotional Metcalf that he will be a Seahawk, which is drowned out by tears of joy. Carroll joins in on the call for which Metcalf asks a question that many teams in the league may be asking themselves.
"Why'd y'all wait this long man?"
At the NFL Combine, Metcalf put up a historical 40 time, proving that he was a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. Metcalf's 4.33-second 40-yard dash was the fastest ever recorded for a player 225 pounds or heavier. While many teams overlooked Metcalf, it was the Seahawks who made the call, and Metcalf took it from there. A teary-eyed Metcalf details being taken under the wing upon arrival in Seattle.
"When I get here, and I meet guys like Russ (Wilson), Bobby (Wagner), Duane Brown, Tyler Lockett, Quandre Diggs, Al Woods, Freddie Swain. They pushed me and make it exciting just to come to work."
"That's who he is, he's an all-in guy," said Schneider "Puts his head down, works his tail off, yeah he was really emotional."
"As much as I bluffed y'all, I wasn't leaving," said Metcalf jokingly as he fought back tears "I wanted to be here, I wanted to play here, I'm just happy we got something done."
Over the last three seasons, Metcalf has caught 29 touchdowns - the most for a receiver not drafted in the first round in league history. In that span, Metcalf has caught 216 passes for 3,170 yards, averaging over 14 yards per catch.
Giving Back
"Coming from Oxford, Mississippi over here to Seattle is a long journey, I'm about to get emotional so bear with me," he said. "It really hasn't hit me until now that I have the opportunity just to help so many people back home and help my family."
In June, Metcalf hosted the Inaugural Seattle Softball Classic in Tacoma, a star-studded charity event for the community powered by nonprofit Push for Dreams. The event provided fun activities for the entire family, and episode four gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Metcalf balancing football with his endeavors off the field.
Back To Business
Episode 4 concludes with Metcalf back in his element - the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Metcalf signs autographs for kids between running routes on the practice field as the training camp gets underway. Even with a movie on the way, Metcalf is dialed-in on the upcoming season and optimistic about his team.
"I think right now our vibe is very hungry; our defense is very competitive and they're playing with a big chip on their shoulder," he said. "Then our offense, I think we're following our defense and trying to be hungry and grimy as well and trying to make every play that comes our way. It's a very competitive time of the year right now"
There is a lot on the mind and itinerary for Metcalf heading into year-four. But with his motivations intact, there's no reason to fret.
Check out Episode 4 of The Sound and more of Metcalf's preparation for 2022 here.
The Sound Episode 4 "Complete Person" takes a deep dive into the story of DK Metcalf and what led up to him continuing his legacy in Seattle. Take a look at some behind the scenes photos of the episode.