A Super Bowl hero bids farewell to Seattle, penning a heartfelt message before joining the Eagles, but his future hinges on a massive prove-it deal.
The "Dark Side'' is losing a high-profile piece from its Super Bowl defense.
And Riq Woolen wants to say "goodbye'' the right way.
Woolen is heading East via NFL free agency after agreeing to a one-year, $15 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
But while he is packing his bags, he is also writing a love letter the Seattle Seahawks and the 12th Man fan base.
“This city and this organization will always be a part of me,” Woolen wrote. “Everything I accomplished here — from the early days as a rookie to hoisting the Lombardi — I will carry with pride.”
Woolen's unusual 6-foot-4 frame served him well as a member of the Seattle secondary. ... and in 2025 he pitched in as part of a dominant effort during the Seahawks' recent Super Bowl run.
And in the Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots? He ended up recording four solo tackles and two deflections. So that Lombardi Trophy he mentioned in his post is partly his.
The Eagles are getting a former Pro Bowler who some critics think is past his prime to even though he's still just 26 years old.
The Philadelphia contract reflects that to some degree as it's a mixed bag: The fact that it is just a one-year contract makes it seem like a “prove-it” deal. At the same time, $15 million is a hefty deal compared to what some similar players are getting.
The Seahawks aren't winning on the NFL Free Agency Scorecard, as expected; there have been a series of key departures, led by Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III moving to Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs.
But left here in Seattle? Good memories with guys like Walker and Woolen ... oh, and that source-of-pride Lombardi Trophy.