Saturday, the reigning NFL champs took training camp to Lumen Field for the first time this season. 12s filled the stands, while players and coaches soaked up the atmosphere at the “Seahawks Football Fest.”
A perfect forecast, an electric fanbase, and a packed corridor all day with the Mariners’ 50 Seasons Celebration next door.
Saturday marked the first trip back to Lumen since the Super Bowl parade. A special experience for the players and fans. And, a thankful Mike Macdonald.
“That was a great showing by the 12’s,” the Seahawks’ Head Coach started the post-practice press conference.
“With the Mariners’ game going on at the same time. And Seafair was last weekend. So, really appreciate the effort everybody took to get out.”
Macdonald felt the love. But he also noted how cool it is for others to get a first-hand feel for the franchise.
Including a veteran linebacker, as well as new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury.
“You could feel it. I didn’t get it verbatim from those guys,” Macdonald joked.
“But, even guys like Dante Fowler…I went up to Fleury after and was like ‘Hey, man, this is pretty awesome, isn’t it?!’”
Emmanuel Wilson, who came over from Green Bay this offseason, feels the same way.
“It’s wonderful. Seeing how excited the fans get out there,” says the Running Back. “Excited for us, going out there and practicing.”
It’s even more special for AJ Finley, who tore his ACL at last year’s Football Fest practice. He returned from rehab with an interception on Saturday.
“It really didn’t hit me ‘til I got to the sideline and all the boys were congratulating me. It’s definitely a full-circle moment,” says the Safety.
His head coach noticed too.
“Incredibly happy for him. He’s worked incredibly hard. He’s been a great teammate the whole process,” Macdonald acknowledges.
“It’s just a tough situation. This guy’s trying to carve a role out and career out for himself, and that happens,” the Head Coach went on to say.
“It just shows you how fragile it is. How do you not be incredibly happy for the guy?” MacDonald said.
Speaking of smiles, what would a “Seahawks Football Fest” be without the fans?
12’s taking in all the festivities, including Seahawks’ legends Cliff Avril and Jermaine Kearse signing autographs, “Blitz” the mascot posing for photos, and family-friendly fun for all around the stadium.
But now things turn up another notch.
We’re just a week away from the preseason opener, the Seahawks hosting the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field next Saturday.
The first real litmus test, the regular season start, is still about a month away.
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