Good afternoon, 12s! Here's a look at what's out there today – Wednesday, February 24 – about your Seattle Seahawks.
"Year three I'm really going crazy"
Coming into 2020, L.J. Collier was determined to prove just how tough of a competitor he could be. After suffering an ankle injury in Training Camp his rookie season, Collier was forced to spend much of the 2019 season on the sidelines, learning behind pass rushers like Jadeveon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah.
Year 2 in Seattle was a whole new story for Collier. Fully healthy, he seized his opportunity and responded with a comeback sophomore campaign. For L.J., 2020 was only the beginning.
"I was playing catch up on my rookie year," Collier said. "It was really frustrating, but I'm a competitor man. A lot of people tried to count me out…but I wasn't really worried about it. I knew what I could do with a healthy body and given a good chance. So I went out there and proved that this year. I didn't even scratch the surface on what I know I can do. Year three I'm really going crazy."
Collier recorded 16 tackles, 3 sacks, and delivered one of the most clutch stops for the Seahawks defense in 2020, denying Cam Newton and the New England Patriots at the goal line in Week 2.
He also played a key role in the Seahawks defensive turnaround in 2020. With 46 sacks on the year, the Seahawks defense finished 7th in the NFL, a vast improvement from the team's 28 in 2019.
"We really just came together," Collier said. "We locked in and said we can do this. We made the plays we were supposed to make and just showed up. Everybody started locking in and next thing we know we all just started to sync in and play great."
Building off the strong finish to the season, Collier insists the best football is still ahead for him and his team in 2021. In addition to taking the next step as a defense, Collier has his sights set on winning a Super Bowl and making his first Pro Bowl appearance next season.
"I feel like we are going to have the best defense next year," Collier said. "We got a stacked team and a lot of guys coming back. I'm excited."
Off the field, L.J. is working to give back in his hometown and in Seattle. Originally from Munday, Texas and drafted out of Texas Christian University, Collier has most recently been focused on helping those in need in his community after severe, unexpected winter weather hit Texas this month.
To join L.J.'s cause to support Texas, fans can visit ljcollier91.com and donate to the North Texas Food Bank or Feed People Dallas. For families in need, Collier has added a form on his website to see where he can provide additional support.
Seahawks' Equality & Justice For All Scholarship Fund
"Together we can create change and opportunity."
The Seahawks believe every generation has a chance to make a difference. And to support career opportunities for students who have overcome significant adversity, Seahawks players have partnered with the Seattle Foundation to launch the Seahawks Players' Equality and Justice For All Scholarship Fund. Through the fund, $10,000 scholarships will be awarded for trade, 2-year, and 4-year degrees with preference given to students of color and first-generation college students. In addition to providing financial assistance for school, the scholarship lays the groundwork for professional opportunities and access to mentors.
For full details and to apply before March 15, please click here!
Social Post Of The Day
Hard at work, today's 'Social Post of the Day' comes from our QB1 who shares some highlights from his early offseason workouts.
More From Around The Web
As the NFL offseason begins to heat up, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times takes a look at what’s ahead for the Seahawks.
