Good afternoon, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Wednesday, March 9 - about your Seattle Seahawks:
Steve Largent Among All-Time Best
With the Detroit Lions announcing Calvin Johnson's retirement from the NFL yesterday, Elliot Harrison at NFL.com was inspired to jot down the Top 10 wide receivers of all-time.
"Megatron" comes in at No. 8 on Harrison's ranks, but browse further down his list and you'll come across a former Seahawks wideout.
Steve Largent, the inaugural inductee into Seattle's Ring of Honor who finished his 14-year career with NFL records in receptions (819), yards (13,089), touchdowns (100), consecutive games with a reception (177), 50-catch seasons (10), and 1,000-yard seasons (8), ranks ahead of Johnson at No. 5.
Here's what Harrison had to say about the seven-time Pro Bowler Largent, the Seahawks' first player inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Largent was a model of consistency who held the career receptions, yardage, and touchdowns record at the time of his retirement. His prime years were spent with Jim Zorn and a developing Dave Krieg -- not exactly the King of Beers at quarterback (sorry, trying to give the now-retired Peyton Manning more plugs here). The former Seahawk posted eight 1,000-yard seasons, despite playing through two strikes. Remember that this was in the late 1970s and '80s, when the passing game was still inhibited, compared with today's game (where we have an illegal contact call every five seconds). Largent was named to the Hall of Fame's All-Decade team of the '80s.
In case you're curious, another former Seahawk, albiet a shortlived one, ranks as the best receiver of all-time. Jerry Rice, who made 25 catches for 362 yards and three touchdowns for the Seahawks in 2004, comes in at No. 1.
Rice is so far ahead of everyone in receptions (1,549), yards (22,895) and touchdown catches (197). Frankly, his records will never be surpassed, due to his productivity and longevity (20 seasons). His most impressive accomplishment might have been his 22-touchdown campaign in 1987, which he accomplished in 12 games! Rice combined work ethic, explosiveness at the snap (not 40 speed), a perfectionist personality and want-to to become the standard at the position.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who announced his retirement from the NFL today after 18 seasons, 10 of which were spent in Seattle. Hasselbeck plans to join ESPN as an analyst and will be a part of Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle outlines Seahawks ticket information for 2016.
Mel Kiper Jr. at ESPN.com shares the third version of his 2016 mock draft (Insider) and predicts the Seahawks to select Virginia Tech cornerback Kendall Fuller in round one, writing, "Defensive line is going to be a need area, but Fuller becomes a value at this point, and the defensive-line class in this draft is going to produce starters well into Day 3. Get the best player. Free-agency effect: If Jeremy Lane departs, this is a legit need area, so free agency will be something to watch."
Chad Reuter at NFL.com put together a four-round mock draft, projecting Seattle to target a defensive tackle, running back, wide receiver, offensive guard, and defensive end with their first five picks this year.
And Gregg Bell at the Tacoma News Tribune looks at the Seahawks' more prominent free agents and projects how likely it is that each will return to Seattle.
On March 2, 2001, the Seattle Seahawks acquired quarterback Matt Hasselbeck from the Green Bay Packers, beginning a 10-season span in Seattle, including the team's first Super Bowl appearance.