Seattle's work-play balance is on full-display in the fifth episode of The Sound, as the organization goes back in time to the 1990's for the Seahawks Throwback Jersey Unveiling for Week 8's matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Wednesday’s reveal was led by safety Quandre Diggs, three-time consecutive Pro Bowl selection and unofficial offseason team spokesman. Episode 5 gives us a look at how the process came together for jersey selection, recreating a dynamic 90's setup and fan reaction. The third installment of a day-in-the-life follows second-year cornerback Coby Bryant.
The episode begins at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, as it's all-hands-on-deck to build a 90's-inspired Seattle home for the jersey unveil. Viewers get to see the painstaking detail put into restoring the feeling of recording Seahawks games and episodes of actor Kelsey Grammer's Seattle-based sitcom Frasier on VHS tapes. Assistant Equipment Manager Trevor Neal walks viewers through the year-long process of making the alternate throwbacks happen.
"When they approved the rule allowing you to have a second helmet," said Neal. "We all kind of figured we were going to go back to a throwback. Last August or September, we got the samples in. Nike made us five jerseys, sent some different-sized pants and a few different accessories. Also, the jerseys didn't match the players number - it was just a generic jersey (23;55). So, we had a quarterback wearing No.55 - it kind of looked a little funky."
This episode might be your only look at quarterback Drew Lock in such a high number (55), and wideout DK Metcalf in such a low one (23). Neal discusses working on the photoshoot with Legend Walter Jones, linebacker Bobby Wagner, tackle Charles Cross and Bryant in May.
"You can only wear them twice a year at most," said Neal. "We knew that we were going to wear it once for sure, but we ordered enough that we could wear them for two games. Knowing that all the players would take their jersey after the first time we wear it - I don't blame them. And we order a lot, because guys are going to ask for them, there's going to be former players hitting us up. Last August through October, we kind of really got the ball rolling. Working the photoshoot in May was the first time seeing it all coming together. I'd picked up the jerseys from our sewing shop a few days prior. First guy that did the photoshoot was Bobby (Wagner) - and he just looks like a football player. So, seeing it on him was pretty cool, seeing it all come to life with the accessories, socks, cleats and gloves. It was pretty cool seeing it all come together."
On March 29, 1999, Seahawks corner Coby Bryant was born in Cleveland. He'd be too young to remember Seahawks Legends Shawn Springs and Willie Williams time in the uniforms at the turn of the century - but his love for the uniforms (and Eggo waffles) is apparent in the episode. Cameras follow Seattle’s 2022 fourth-round selection through the photoshoot and workouts before heading home to Ohio.
The University of Cincinnati alum and 2021 Jim Thorpe Award winner played 17 games as a rookie, tying for No.3 league-wide in forced fumbles (4) along with 70 tackles and 4 pass deflections. After a 9-8 regular season finish and a trip to the playoffs, expectations are rising for Seattle. Bryant discusses the chip on his shoulder as a Day 3 draft selection looking to continue to be hungry.
"I felt like I've always been overlooked," said Bryant. "It's always been my motivation, my drive, not to prove people wrong - but to prove it to myself most-importantly. The chip is on my shoulder, even in high school I was overlooked as well. Didn't have that many offers coming out of high school. And getting to college, having the success I did and still people not noticing it. Which is okay, I don't need validation from anyone besides myself and my family. So, just to always have that chip on my shoulder, just to keep working. Never be satisfied, always be humble, but most-importantly be hungry as well too."
Bryant stops for a surprise-visit to his grandmother, who happily shares the list of her other favorite Seahawks.
"You know who my favorite is," said Janice Nash. "Riq Woolen. He's so down-to-earth, I saw him in an interview, he's so humble - I love the humbleness. I like Kenneth Walker III too."
After a reminder from her grandson, she includes defensive end Boye Mafe in her list of Coby's "dogs" before meeting Woolen via a facetime call. Family is everything for Bryant, who stops by his mother Tanisha's shop for a haircut before bowling with family and friends. You may know that Seattle's physical corner is named after late NBA Legend Kobe Bryant, but episode 5 gives mother Tanisha, father Ronnie and brother and Ohio State alum Christian an opportunity to make their case for why they gave Coby his name.
The latest episode of The Sound drives home family values, shining a light on the people that make the organization go behind-the-scenes while introducing fans to players on another level.
Check out the behind the scenes of season two episode five of the The Sound, "Nineties Baby". This episode showcases the reveal of the Seahawks highly anticipated throwback uniforms and follows Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.