As Dominant Decade Ends, What Will Seattle Seahawks’ Legacy Be?

In every of the eight seasons for the reason that franchise secured its first and solely championship, success in Seattle was purely measured by the Seahawks’ skill to win one other. Stakes have been at an all-time excessive, filling the air with a suffocating sense of hysteria and stress that might by no means be alleviated in any of these eight years. 

Profitable was every little thing and the Seahawks definitely did a whole lot of that. However their capability for profitable at a excessive stage proved restricted and, for some, was ultimately deemed unworthy of admiration. However, whereas every of these eight seasons led to heartache, Seattle achieved at a price many sports activities fanatics spend years—and even many years—pining for. 

Though they fell on the mistaken aspect of one of the crucial beautiful finishes within the historical past of main American sports activities, the Seahawks’ accomplishment of constructing a second consecutive Tremendous Bowl shouldn’t be misplaced. They have been the primary crew for the reason that 1996-97 Packers to win back-to-back NFC titles and stay the final to take action to this present day. 

Moreover, they made the playoffs a further 5 occasions after their Tremendous Bowl XLIX nightmare, profitable the NFC West twice. One would suppose this uncommon stage of consistency can be appreciated, however for a lot of, it solely serves as a painful reminder of Seattle’s incapacity to make a deep run within the postseason. 

Having the items in place that the Seahawks did—one of many NFL’s most legendary defenses, a future Corridor of Fame expertise at quarterback, a entrance workplace that, within the early phases, seemingly hit on each determination it made and a head coach whose core philosophy was constructed on the inspiration of profitable “ceaselessly”—the purpose morphed from sustaining a perennial playoff contender to constructing one of the crucial dominant applications the soccer world has ever seen. 

“Dynasty” was a phrase that rapidly grew to become synonymous with the Seahawks after their 43-8 victory over the Broncos in Tremendous Bowl XLVIII. However these huge hopes and expectations would quickly dissipate as Seattle suffered the identical destiny many franchises earlier than it had met, leading to gut-wrenching disappointment for eight straight winters. 

Hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after weeks and months of tireless work is—or, a minimum of, ought to be—each crew’s purpose 12 months in and 12 months out. But when your identify is not Tom Brady or Invoice Belichick, doing so is extremely troublesome. Even the Rams and Chiefs, who’re extensively thought of to be the mannequin organizations of the previous half-decade, solely have one championship apiece to point out for it. 

Regardless of such unfavorable odds, most gamers and coaches consider issues could be totally different for them. The Seahawks, their fanbase and those that coated the crew definitely felt that manner. However it’s that very same ardour, in addition to every little thing else that comes with success, that ultimately bore toxicity, fractured relationships and ended eras. 

Because of this, Russell Wilson is now throwing passes for the Broncos. Bobby Wagner will now assist the Rams in their very own quest for a second consecutive championship. The storied “Legion of Increase” has lengthy been dismantled, and the off-field conduct of a few of its members has sadly begun to tarnish the group’s legacy. 

It is an unfitting finish to one of many biggest runs in Seattle sports activities historical past and, frankly, one thing that may take a very long time—if ever—for a lot of to look again on with full and utter fondness. As a result of the mere considered how nice that group was in its prime instantly floods the mind with numerous “what ifs” and reminders of the unprecedented success that was finally unfulfilled. 

However will that all the time be the story of the Seahawks? Or will there come a time, someplace down the street, that this ache lastly subsides for all concerned?