Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Tuesday, September 5— about your Seattle Seahawks
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic Looks at the Friendship Between Tyler Lockett and Quandre Diggs
The 2023 season will be No. 9 for Seahawks wideout Tyler Lockett and safety Quandre Diggs. Despite different journeys to get to this point, the pair of veterans are key puzzle pieces on what Seattle hopes is a championship-caliber roster. After a summer trip to Austin, Diggs' hometown, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic dives into Lockett and Diggs' relationship, as well as their continued status as "underrated stars."
On October 25, 2014, Lockett’s Kansas State Wildcats defeated Diggs’ Texas Longhorns 23-0. But one of the several matchups between the two in college wasn't how they first met, but through their NFL family members - Tyler's uncle Aaron Lockett and Quandre's brother Quentin Jammer. In 2019, Diggs and Lockett discussed how their competitive past helped them build a bond after Diggs was traded to Seattle by the Detroit Lions.
"We always knew about each other just growing up," said Lockett. "I always heard stories about him whenever he was at the University of Texas, and he would hear stories about me when I was at Kansas State. It always started off competitive. At first, it was kind of like that competitive niche to where we didn't really like each other as much, because we were always having to go against each other in everything that we did when we were in college."
During the offseason prior to the 2015 NFL Draft, the pair signed with the same sports agency and developed a true friendship. That April, Lockett was selected in Round 3 by Seattle, and Diggs was picked in the sixth round by the Detroit Lions. While the Texas alum was earning his keep as a transitioning corner-turned-safety in Detroit, Lockett became a household name in the Pacific Northwest through his play in his first four seasons. Then in October of 2019, the pair was reunited, as Diggs was traded to Seattle, providing Seattle with a budding difference-maker at safety - and Lockett with one of his closest friends.
While playing on opposite sides of the field, the two have taken their games to another level since the trade. Lockett has recorded more than 1,000 yards in every season since the trade - Diggs has been named a Pro Bowl selection for three consecutive years. In 2022, the pair were named two of Seattle’s four captains. As two of just a handful of Seahawks age 30-or-older, the pair takes great pride in being mentors for a young Seattle team that finished their 2022 campaign with a trip to the playoffs. But Dugar goes deeper into the pair's relationship off-the-field, going from college arch rivals to best friends. Their families have become inseparable, with each attending the other's wedding this summer while Lockett maintains "uncle" responsibilities for Diggs' two children. Dugar delves into how the reserved Lockett and outspoken Diggs balance each other, one keeping the other afloat and accountable. When Diggs broke his fibula in the 2021 Christmas Eve regular season finale, it was Lockett who delayed the start off his offseason to remain bedside for Diggs in Wisconsin for surgery. Whether spoken or unspoken, the pair go to bat for each other to no end. When Diggs was traded to Seattle, it was Lockett who opened his home to him while he searched for a property of his own. And when it comes to on-the-field play, few are a greater spokesperson for Lockett than Diggs. The pair share the often-dampening label of being "underrated," something that Lockett has brushed off, but Diggs has spoken up about on social media and in press conferences. This offseason, the pair was omitted from several rankings and lists of the top players at their respective positions. The expressive Diggs discussed the frustration of not being recognized as elite despite the duo's play year-in and year-out.
"I'm sick of it," said Diggs. "I'm 30 years old. How long am I going to be underrated? Same with Lock. How long is he going to be underrated? We've been in the league for nine years; we can't be underrated forever."
Despite recording six-straight seasons with three or more interceptions, Diggs has never earned an All-Pro nomination. And after four-consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Lockett still waits for his first Pro Bowl nomination as a receiver.
Dugar avoids just writing a piece to complain about how overlooked Diggs and Lockett are - but rather shares the story of two friends defying the odds - together. With their ninth season beginning this weekend and Seattle's young talent looking to them for leadership, the pair looks to help Seattle return to the promised land - and finally get the recognition they deserve.
Social Post Of The Day
Pro Football Focus points out just how reliable Seahawks wideout Tyler Lockett has been in the redzone.
More from Around The Web
Matt Calkins of the Seattle Times: Seahawks general manager John Schneider lets his actions do the talking.
The Associated Press: Seahawks place second-year wide receiver Dareke Young on injured reserve.
Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports 710AM: Huard: Why Seahawks’ ‘home run’ Geno deal now a ‘grand slam’.
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks, Pete Carroll Building Contender With Familiar Playbook.
Corbin Smith of Sports Illustrated: Takeaways From John Schneider's Week 1 Press Conference - Locked On Seahawks Podcast
With Week 1 approaching, the Seahawks were back at practice on Monday afternoon to get ready for the season opener vs. the L.A. Rams.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) chats with Pete Carroll at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
The Seahawks offensive line participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas (31) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks Coby Bryant (8) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks Coby Bryant (8) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks guard Damien Lewis (68) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (6) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks guard Damien Lewis (68) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) participate at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks nose tackle Cameron Young (93) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tight end Will Dissly (89) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson (84) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Darrell Taylor (52) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Bush (0) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks fullback/linebacker Nick Bellore (44) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks Coby Bryant (8) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) participates at practice on September 4, 2023 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
