I’ve been trying for days to put into words how it felt becoming Super Bowl Champions. To be honest, all I can say is it felt right. It felt normal.
I would love to sit here and say, “Oh my God, it was everything I ever wanted in life.” Obviously, I was very appreciative of the opportunity, and I don’t take anything for granted. None of us do.
But really it felt like that was what was supposed to happen.
The morning of the game, I woke up at about 6:30 a.m. I couldn’t sleep. So I got up, did my stretching, prayed, took a shower and got ready for the walkthrough, which was at around 10:30.
After that, I went to Kam Chancellor’s room. We just talked for a while. We talked about the whole season, how we’ve evolved as ballplayers. Everything Kam said, I knew it was coming from a great place, from his heart.
When I left that room, I was calm. I was relaxed. I was ready to play because I knew that guy was with me. I’ve been saying all year: that connection that we have is stronger than anything, especially in this league. It’s the reason we play the way we do.
The locker room was really loose before the game. I felt like I was ready for anything. I was walking around with my chest out, encouraging every guy in there. I felt so much emotion, guys were looking at me crazy, but I was just so excited to be on that stage.
Once we got out there, I was just having fun, letting out that natural passion. When you do that, people feed off of it. I was talking to Kam, telling him he was a beast, telling him that he could change the way people look at big safeties. (I think he’s definitely doing that.)
I was really confident in our game plan. I felt like we were in control of the game, even in warm-ups. It was a feeling I had never felt before, and I couldn’t really explain even if I tried.
But I know where it came from.
PREPARATION MATTERS
The biggest reason I believe we were able to win a championship is because we prepare better than anybody in the NFL.
We learned a lot from watching film of the preseason game we played against Denver. Peyton Manning was in the game for a long time, and it was a lot like a regular season game situation. When we watched their playoff game against San Diego, we noticed that they were still kind of running some of the stuff we saw in the preseason.
The coaches did a great job of getting us ready, and then we talked amongst ourselves. We put what we were all thinking about Peyton and how he was going to attack us on the board, and talked it through. By the time we were done, we had worked everything out. There were no grey areas.
We felt very confident after that.
Having two weeks of preparation helped us tremendously. That first week, we prepared as if it was a normal week, and we were playing them at the end of the week. Coach Carroll knew we could separate ourselves that way. During that second week, some teams might get distracted by the media and everything, especially in New York.
But we were already so prepared in our hearts, minds and souls, when we got to New York, we were still in it and hungry. That second week, we didn’t let the distractions get to us. The focus carried over from the first week. We got our edge. Our best practice of the year was during that week in New Jersey.
It was also an amazing week off the field. I ran into so many celebrities: singers, rappers, other football players at the top of the game. All season long, I’ve been working hard to be great. To be able to reap the benefits of my effort through those events and the amazing experiences working with Jordan Brand, that’s the type of stuff you dream of. I was in awe for most of it.
GAME TIME
As the game got underway, I could feel the great energy coming from our guys. I knew we had what we needed to play the game and dominate.
When their first snap went into the end zone, the first thing I thought was, “Thank you, God,” because I knew it was going to be one of those games. I swear, it felt like we were back at CenturyLink. As soon as that happened, I knew something special was going to happen.
And I was right.
We went in at halftime up 22-0, but nobody was celebrating. We’d been there before — I don’t just mean in a previous game. The day before the game when we had our walkthrough, we simulated a 30-minute halftime. The only thing that was different: In our mock game, Coach told us that we had scored 14 points. So when we went into the locker room, we knew what to do.
We did our stretching. Everybody was focused. We hit the reset button, and treated it like the score was 0-0.
That allowed us to go back out and keep dominating.
It’s crazy, but the guys I’ve been pointing to all playoffs long in these blog entries were the guys who elevated themselves in the game.
We’ve all had our doubters. Doug got into it with Cris Carter. Sherm and Michael Crabtree. Kam had people telling him he was too big to be a safety, that he couldn’t move the way you need to. Now they’re comparing him to the all-time greats like Ronnie Lott. Everybody here plays with a chip on their shoulder. It’s crazy to give us more motivation, but we love it. Our receivers stepped up great in the Super Bowl, and now those so-called no-name receivers, they definitely have a name now.
Russell Wilson keeps beating these “elite” quarterbacks. Last year, he beat Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. This year, he beat Drew Brees and Peyton Manning on the biggest stages when it really counted. People need to start putting Russell Wilson in that category because he is an elite NFL quarterback. He’s been a pro since day one, and he’s more than half of why we’re winning now. He came in poised. You look at him now after we won a championship, and he’s still the same guy. He hasn’t let the lights get too bright for him, and he’s stayed true to himself. He’s still that same poised person.
That’s what I respect most about him. He’s going to be the same person every day.
And then there was Percy Harvin. Percy was electrifying. He’s the boost. He’s that energy. He’s our missile on offense. That end around was a thing of beauty, and the reason it worked is because we have so many players who can make a play. The defense has to account for Russell Wilson, Marshawn, Percy and our other receivers.
And when Percy returned that kickoff for a touchdown, it really did feel like we were back at CenturyLink with all the special stuff that happens there.
Our d-line played great. Malcolm Smith had a beautiful performance getting the MVP. Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright brought their A-game from the linebacking corps. We all held it down on the back end.
Everyone wants to have their own impact on the game. I didn’t get the ball thrown my way, but the way I look at it, that’s just respect from the other team. Out of 266 passes this whole season, our opponents only threw it over the middle on us eight times. I feel good about that. I’m going to keep working on my craft, and keep being the best safety and the best leader I can be.
THEN WE WERE CHAMPIONS
After the game, guys were crying and hugging each other. Everybody was showing how much they appreciated what we just went through. We sat at our lockers, full uniforms still on, reminiscing about everything that led up to that point. We talked about the journey as much as the end result. I enjoyed the process. I enjoyed the ups and downs that led up to that point.
Later on, my dad sat with me at my locker. We had a great conversation about winning the Super Bowl, and how much that meant to him and my hometown of Orange, Texas. My father wanted to be in the NFL. He wanted it probably more than I wanted it.
For me to be on that big stage like that and win it, and then for him to be with me in that environment, in that moment, in the locker room after the game, with players coming up to him and telling him how much they appreciate him — that meant everything to me.
When I went to my press conference, my mom came with me, and she had tears in her eyes. As we walked out of the room, I held her tight. That was a special moment.
The whole experience, even the weeks leading up to the game were very cool. I’d always dreamed about being a part of that. It was even more than I imagined, and it kind of shocked me. There were so many cameras. They’re all right in your face. It was a great opportunity to show the world what I’m all about, and express myself on that stage.
Thinking back, there was one thing that really stuck out to me at the game: When the crowd started chanting, “L.O.B.”
My heart dropped when I heard that. The WHOLE stadium was chanting, “L.O.B! L.O.B!”
I couldn’t believe it. I was thinking, “Man, this is crazy.”
That’s what it’s all about. The fans were great, and I was so motivated by the support all week. Everywhere you looked in New York and New Jersey, you could see our colors. I saw 31 jerseys: a lot of Russell Wilson jerseys, my jersey, Sherm’s, Marshawn’s, all of them. That was great.
That’s the type of thing you just feed off.
These people came from a long way — across the country — just to see us play. They’re supporting us. They have their kids in our jersey. It definitely made me want to put on a show, and just keep that positive energy going.
We all know that Seahawks fans have suffered for a lot of years, so I wanted to do everything in my power to make it a great experience for myself, and a great experience for you. Because it’s not all about me. It’s about all of you, the 12th man.
To read the conclusion to Earl’s blog recapping his Super Bowl experience, click here.
You are amazing. How you keep your head on straight with everything going on around you…your ability to recognize your teammates…your fans… your family. I just truly adore you…not only for the hard work you display on the field…but for the caring person you are.
Yep. Well said, Dayna.
Wow Earl,
That was a great piece. As a diehard Hawks fan I just love having an inside look to what you guys go through. Thanks for your great work ethic and your passion on and off the field. What a great year! L.O.B! GO HAWKS!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I grew up in the Seattle area and have been a Seahawk fan my entire life. You are a special player and a special man. Our community is proud to have you.
Well written piece Earl! Seeing all you guys getting to live out your dreams by winning the Super Bowl has been amazing. Seeing how much of a real team you guys are stood out so clearly in that game. My boys and I watch the games together and you guys are inspiring the youth of the PNW and beyond and I thank you for that.
Great article, Earl! Got chills all over again reading the experience through your eyes. You are a class act, and along with the entire Seahawks organization, you make this city proud. Thank you for an unforgettable season! GO HAWKS!!
Couldn’t have been more proud to wear my Earl Thomas jersey to the victory parade man… you will forever be a hero in Seattle no matter what happens for the rest of your life. Soak that one in. Its hard to express the longing people had in the NW for a team like this to rally around and its great to see it bring us all together. I’m 28 and have never seen a championship from any of my teams. Thank you for making that happen.
Wow Earl! You’ve given me another reason to love the Seahawks! I grew up in Washington and relocated to the Bay Area. And to be honest I didn’t really know much about football. Then four years ago I was watching the 49′ers play the Seahawks and the camera panned to Coach Carroll and I was in awe of how dynamic this coach was. In the moment I knew the Seahawks were on the way to the SuperBowl. I’ve been reading “Winning Forever” and it is clear that the philosophy that he has developed as a coach was easy for the team to buy into and develop the focus and clarity that you needed to be the team to go all the way.
You have honored your team and your fans with this article and I am proud of all of you! And I know you will all be blessed with continued success!
Excellent article Earl. I teared up a bit while reading it. The passion you and the rest of the Seahawks bring every game is awesome to see. You guys are the best and that shows on the field.
E.T.,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am a die hard 12, from the beginning til I die. I am living in tn now but I have my 12 flag flying high on my car( and boy do I get the looks) I am smack dab in UT country! and if it aint orange it should not fly if you know what I mean. I was a sr in high school when the team was formed. moved away to have my carrier in the military meet my husband (from Colorado) and have a family. all the while watching the Seahawks win some and lose more. ok I don’t know why I am rambling on, just thank you. I am proud to have you on our side of the Ball.
Dianna
Great article, Earl! Got chills all over again reading the experience through your eyes. You are a class act, and along with the entire Seahawks organization, you make this city proud. Congratulations and thank you for an unforgettable season! GO HAWKS!!
i’ve waited 35 years for this win. it was worth the wait. i’ve been a fan since left handed jim zorn was the QB. the only thing that would have made it slightly better is if the nebraska guy had played. you guys earned this. CONGRATS. thanks to the whole team. let’s do it again next year.
from Wahoo, Nebraska, go huskers and GO HAWKS
Earl ever since you came to the NFL I knew you were special. You guys came along way and gave this city as well as yourselves what we all deserve. RESPECT. This team is special from every position. I cant get enough of re watching the Super Bowl 48. Seattle loves you guys and can’t wait for next year. Lead us to next one!!
Earl I want you to always know how much the 12′s appreciate the effort and dedication you have put into our team. Old guys like me have waited over 30 years for what happened this year, and it all happened because of YOUR dedication, YOUR belief in the possibilities and YOUR leadership on the field.
Sunday February 2, 2014 was one of the greatest days of my life, a dream finally fulfilled. Friends cried, my family cried, it was absolute jubilation and we’ve been walking on air ever since. And it’s all due to guys like you, Sherm, Kam, Russell, PC and everyone else. You did this. For us.
You’ve had an affect on many people’s lives this year, and we will never forget you for it. Thank you.
We love Earl Thomas. His values, his work ethic. He prays and he is everything I would want my son to be and the kicker, he is a Seahawk. Wow, incredible journey and a man who gives us all hope. We love the Hawks and love the city of Seattle but the 12′s. They are the best.
As a long time season ticket holder, all I can say is Thank you. THIS is why every year we budget our finances in order to pay for our tickets in the hopes of winning Super Bowl Title. All the years toiling, getting close but not being able to enjoy that cigar or hear that fat lady sing have been worth the wait. All I can say is DANG, IT FEELS SO GOOD! I totally agree with you ET that this year things felt different. I couldn’t explain it then but I sure can now. Enjoy your off season as will we, next year it’s back to work to be even faster,even stronger,even better. This was fun, let’s do it again! Go Hawks!!!!
oh, by the way, please tell kam that my number in high school was 31, so i love seeing that number make plays, lol.
Up here in Bellingham, our pre-Super Bowl rally was dedicated to the Legion of Boom. Civic Field was where we assembled into a giant “LOB.”
We knew we’d win. We just knew it.
During our first pre-season game, I felt strongly in my heart that we’d win the SB this year. I told all of my friends. Some of them said, “I hope so.” The rest yelled, “SEAHAWKS!!!” and high-fived me. Online, quite a few people said that I was crazy, stupid, a moron, or was a romantic or a wishful thinker. No big deal. I’ve been a Seahawks fan since 1976 and have heard a lot of trash talking from opponents’ fans. This year, though, that feeling in my gut kept telling me that we’d go all the way and take the Lombardi. It was right. It said this, as well:
We’re one year into a five-year stretch of Super Bowl victories. The Seahawks Dynasty has begun. The Seahawks will be considered the greatest team to ever play in the NFL. Looking back, Pete Carroll will say, “We did it by going 1-0 each week…”
I loved reading your recap! Thank you for all of your dedication and hard work to bring this win to Seattle! We were indeed long-suffering fans, but now not only do we have a beautiful trophy to look at but an awesome group of guys who have done so much for our community. We appreciate all of you!
Well deserved man. You guys are hard and passionates workers ! You’re a great source of inspiration, even for a guy like me who lives in Switzerland !
It was a pleasure to see the whole team becoming an unbelievable winning machine.
Take care !
Earl, I have been a fan of yours since the first time you stepped on the field as a Seattle Seahawk., but it wasn’t just your great performance on the field, it was because of your humble and eloquent comments after the game during an interview on the Pete Carroll show. Not only are you an amazing player on the field, but an even better man off the field. I’m so grateful to have gotten the chance to watch you and the rest of your team this season–it was truly something special. Thank you!!
Fantastic! I’ve been a Seahawks fan from day one. Not day one of this season…day 1 of 1976 when the Seahawks came into the league and started that first summer training camp. I have cheered and cried (and sworn a little) every step of the way – but I’ve never given up knowing that one day…..one day….we’d be cheering our hometown boys as they brought home the trophy. Even through the lean years (and there have been some *very* lean years), I have kept the faith. We needed a whole team that did the same. And that’s what happened this year. Everyone believed. And look what happened! I’m so very proud of all of you and I’m an so very glad you play for our team and not someone else. I hope it stays that way. I can’t wait to see just how far you can take things next year. Silence the doubters. And the fans…hey, we’ve got your back. All the best!
Earl, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and emotions from one of the biggest moments of your life. We live in an wondrous age where celebrities from all walks of life can instantly connect with their fans. You doing that in such a positive way is simply inspiring! I moved to Washington in 1976, so you could say I’ve been a Seahawks fan since the very beginning. Even after moving all over the country and now the world, I’ve always loudly and proudly proclaimed the ‘Hawks my home team. There’s been a lot of late nights here in Germany this season, but I’ve watched every single game live. I’ve never been prouder to be part of the 12th man. You and all your teammates are shining examples of teamwork and professionalism. Take care, and thanks for an awesome season!
Loved reading that! Thank you for giving us a glimpse of the big day. I have been a Seahawks fan for a long, long time, and we have had to go through some not so fun seasons. This has been one for the record books in so many ways! Watching the team grow and get better every game last season, then dominate more and more this season, has been so fun. The way you guys play as a full team is awesome, beautiful to be exact. You guys are setting a very high standard, in your play, your positivity, your belief in yourselves, all of it.
Thank you!! Oh, and I would love some free safety advice anytime
Beautiful job Earl! It’s been such an awesome ride for this city, thank you for sharing your unique perspective with us (the 12th man)!
I can’t seem to get enough of this Super Bowl win. Thank you for putting it into words from a player! I love the Seahawks and you one of the reasons. Thank you for bringing the trophy back to Seattle! That will always be etched in my heart! I have been a fan since the beginning and I got tell you, it has been worth the wait! You guys have touched the hearts of us fans with such joy, peace and so much excitement! I can’t explain it! I will close with this…..WOW and L.O.B.!!! & GO HAWKS!!
One of the most moving moments in the game for me came when Kam went down and you were on your knees next to him. That look on your face full of pain with the thoughts of Kam being hurt is something I will never forget. Boys, you are making history not only by how good you are but by how much respect & love you are showing to one another, it won’t surprise me if any NFL player wishes he is a part of that brotherhood… all the best to you!!
Oh and you had real crazy moments running to Kam and jumping on him, remind me of my all time favorite player, Brett Favre, he was crazy like that:)
I loved reading this article! I love how this team plays with a chip on their shoulder and how much they all love and respect us, the 12′s!! We cheer with a chip on our shoulder… Supporting the team we believe in whole heartedly when they aren’t all 1st rounders or big named stars (getting there now!!) we are so proud to support these guys and this article is one more example why we love our Seahawks! Proud to be a 12!
Great insight! I really appreciate how you and the entire team involves the 12th man! We got your back!!
L.O.B….L.O.B…..L.O.B!!!!
Earl, thank you for sharing some of the behind the scene experiences from the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, and the game itself. I look forward to reading part 2. My 10 year old son and I are from Chicago, and are HUGE Seahawk fans, and equally as big #29 fans. You are his favorite player on defense (Beast Mode on offense), and we both love watching you ball hawk, and hit people that dare go over the middle. However, we love watching you run to a team-mate, screaming all the way there, to hug or high five a big play that they just made too. You are a leader on the field and an inspiration to fans in Seattle and all over the country. I know you recently said that you got back to work, but take a few moments to enjoy what you have accomplished and understand how happy you and the other boys made Seahawk fans world-wide.
Much love for you and all of the L.O.B.!
This was the best blog from a Seahawks perspective I’ve read. Very touching and emotional E. Thank you on behalf of Seattle…I’m still not sure if you all realize how much it meant to us fans that haven’t seen a real championship in this city since 79.
Just wanted to let you know that we were also chanting LOB in the streets on sunday night after the win. Just mobs of people crying and hugging and chanting LOB. You all are legends and will be forever immortal in Seattle history.
Keep going bruh…you have a chance to be legendary in football period if you all keep this going.
Great article Earl. My whole family loves watching all of you guys play. Watching you guys win the Super Bowl has been an amazing experience for all of us, love watching all of your hard work pay off. Keep it up and GO HAWKS!!!!!! L.O.B
great post.
you and kam deserve so much credit for setting the overall tone for the team. as a fan, there is nothing that gets me more stoked about Seahawks football than a bone-crushing hit from kam on a big tight end, or seeing number 29 flying in from nowhere like a missile to hammer a running back coming through a gap.
you guys are true entertainers, and you make football so much fun to watch. the NFL is messing up many aspects of the sport from rule changes to player fines, etc. but i can’t deny that i’ll still be watching. because guys like earl and kam go out there every day to play the only way then know how. lowering the boom at full speed.
congrats earl! i’m truly grateful to you for your efforts in bringing Lombardi to Seattle!
Earl,
My son (6yr old) was rockin’ your 29 for two weeks straight. On one of the first plays of the superbowl we are sitting around with like 40 people and he caught a peek at you on the screen (he was wearing his white 29 too) and started jumping up and down screaming… I asked him why – he said “dad, Earl Thomas and I are matching today!”. That is what you bring to me, personally – unfiltered, unbias, 100% joy to my son… and that is worth the world to me Earl, more than you all will ever know. Man what he wouldn’t give to meet you one day.
I have to say, there is no one better in the NFL for him to look up to. The entire city of Seattle looks up to you sir – and you deserve every bit of what is coming: 1)which is a big ass contract, 2) and years of coming back to Seattle to get mad love thrown at you.
Really it comes down to thanking you for being the person you are in the organization and the effort you give to your craft. You have a limited window left in your life that you’ll get a chance to do what you do – remember that everyday and go get it!
LOB and future HOF’er – ET3!
Thank you for this great article showing everyone, once again, that you guys are not only great football players, but also great people in all that you do on and off the field. I have been a Seahawks fan since they became a team and when all of you brought home the trophy I have never felt more joy and pride in my team than I did at that moment. Just so you know, it wasn’t only your fans in New York that were shouting L.O.B. for you guys, I know I personally had a hand in making Arizona quake with that chant. Keep that fire that you had in preparing for that game always. I know us 12′s will always keep backing you up with the cheers of “L.O.B.”!!!!
I’ve a huge fan! I’ve been following you since your Texas days and you remind me of Bob Sanders (one of my fav players). I thought you put on and deserved to be Def Player of the Year, like Bob in ’07. Glad the team, #LOB, and the #12s and Seattle are World Champions. Now let’s defend our title!!!
Making history one game at a time. Way to go!!!!
LOB….LOB….LOB….LOB….LOB….LOB
Earl,
I specifically remember when you were drafted and all the hype that came with it. I cannot say that I had an opinion of it then, but I sure do now. As a member of the 12th Man team, I am proud you are a Seahawk. You have added so much value to the Seattle Seahawks and it is not all measured on the field either. Besides being an outstanding football player (and defensive POY in my book) you are a great HUMAN BEING. You just keep doing what you are doing. We will keep doing what we are doing too. Thank you for being such a fine representative of my team, the Seattle Seahawks.
And I just shedded an invisible tear.
That was beautiful
Well done and written from the heart. I love how y’all say you love you each before the game. More than likely after, before and during… In a sport of macho heroics… that one simple moments speaks volumes about what this game is about…. team, trust,respect, admiration and brotherhood. As a fan I appreciate that. As a father… it give me the impetus to teach my children. Cheers to a wonderful season… 38 years was well worth the wait.
Earl.. im so happy for you… your hard work deserves the reward. Im glad I got to experience the moment with my father and I have you and your teammates to thank for that. I wish good health for you, the rest of the l.o.b. and the rest of the seahawks. Im glad you are on our team. Keep working towards greatness…. you certainly have the God given talent to achieve it
Earl, You are so sincere and real in everything you do including writing. I was in Section 231A in the corner and believe we may have started the LOB Chanting at the game. Im so glad you guys could hear it on the field. Im 55 years old and went to my first Hawks game in 1976 at the Kingdome. Thanks for helping bring home the Lombardi to Seattle. My Blog post about my experience at the game can be found here: http://jeffsmariners.com
This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing. Beautifully written.
Earl, I am not much of a football fan, but when I heard that a former WO-S Mustang was playing in the Super Bowl, I looked you up and quickly became a fan of yours. I too grew up in Orange. I know where you come from and am so proud to see the man you have become. Your stage is huge and so many young men quickly lose their way given the fame and fortune you have received. You are such a positive role model to so many especially the boys from Orange. I have no doubt, that you had the whole town behind you, even Bronco fans from Orange quietly cheered for you. They cheered not because of the incredible football player that you are, but because of the man you became. Thank you for representing your hometown so beautifully.
Couldn’t have said it better, Karen. We are so lucky in Orange to have Earl to look up to and support! He’s such an incredible person, most importantly. His WOS and UT families are so proud.
Mr. Thomas,
An incredible end to an incredible season. As a lifelong 12, I’ve watched through the good times and bad, and now back to the good. I give my most heartfelt congratulations to you and the team for this great accomplishment.
One thing I must add is how well you’ve shown us that you are a great person as well as a great player. This particular piece, along with some of the comments, brought me to some tears. It shows the intelligence and class you and this organization have, the effect on the city/fans, and the appreciation that we all have for you.
At this point, I am already looking forward to next season; these next few months will be agony, but I am anxious to break out my jersey (which in my case happens to be Doug Baldwin’s) and wearing it throughout the season.
Thank you for your great play, your class, and giving us all the opportunity to say, “Seahawks, Super Bowl Champs”. Seeing those words are just awesome!
Wow. Loved hearing the story from your point of view. You are all awesome. Born and raised a hawk fan and have been through much heartache with Seattle sports as have most out there. This team is an inspiration and just flat out awesome. Saw a quote on another sight yesterday that reminded me of the season. “First they ignore you, then they attack you, then you win.” I think that sums up the team and the season. Many were ignored during the draft, the media attacked many of you multiple times throughout this season, and then the Hawks freakin won on the biggest stage possible and set records doing it! Bigger, faster, stronger, louder. Proud to be a 12 for life! Congrats to you all.
Thank you so very much for this heartfelt article. I am such a huge fan of the Seahawks and have been for so many years…but there is something magical about this team.
You said that you knew that the Seahawks would win. In November I had a vision of Richard Sherman hoisting the Lombardi trophy (which I didn’t see him doing after the Super Bowl…:) However, ever since that time, I KNEW the Seahawks would win the Super Bowl. Whenever, I tried to conjure up anxiety during the games leading up to this (i.e. the NFC Championship game), I only felt peace, I never worried. I just KNEW the end result would be a Super Bowl win. And it turned out to be right.
Thank you so much for being the person that you are. You and this team are such a special group of men. Very proud to be a fan. Not only for your outstanding play making abilities, but for the way that each of you conducts yourself. Thank you!
Good stuff Earl! I can see you are definitely still a well grounded person and didn’t really let the stardom go to your head. Our community is definitely proud to have you represent us the way you do and always remembering where you came from. Congrats on the Super Bowl win and I don’t doubt seeing y’all win it again!
Earl,
Thank you so much for your effort and commitment. You are bringing honor and respect back to the professional athlete. As a young man like yourself, you help me keep my head on straight. You help me stay focused, and you help me stay determined. I may not be an athlete, but I’m a man about my business. As I’ve watched you develop as a Seahawks over the last few years, I’ve often found myself asking, “Why not him? Why can’t he be a champion?” Learning more about you and being able to watch you achieve so much has helped me look in the mirror and ask myself, “Why not me?”
Really great story! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Wow! what an amazing ride it’s been and i couldn’t agree more that it just feels right! After last seasons tough loss at Atlanta you could sense that we had something special and were headed for something bigger. The teams confidence and swagger was contagious and the whole region bought in and the climb to the top was absolutely fantastic! We definitely have something terrific here and can say that it’s been worth the wait but now I’m even more excited for the future. So very proud of this team, the city and especially the 12Man for the outstanding support, Thank you Seahawks, thank you Seattle and thank you 12Man! I will never forget it! Go Seahawks!
I am still crying about the SUPERBOWL now after reading this I am once again crying..Hard to type this with all these tears!!!! God Bless You Earl and your entire team.
Fantastic… & I have your Jersey friend, maybe the only one Seahawks jersey in my city… haha, grettings from Chihuahua, Mexico.afetr 32 years of fanaticism, finally we’re the NFL Champion Team
my best regards!
Thanks for sharing your experience Earl! I hope you can continue on and earn more titles and championships (with the Seahawks of course!) You and the team have been such an inspiration to the 12th Man through your challenges (too short, too “pedestrian” etc.). The team showed us that when there are people who doubt you, the best thing to do is to face those people and prove them wrong! Thank you for being a part of our first Super Bowl Win – L.O.B.!!
Great article Earl! Thank you for sharing.
I remember this kid in Cobra red and black, flags hanging almost past his knees. He played all out as a 6 year old, never quit. I remember a family this kid had that was lways there at every game, cheering him and his little brother on. It’s incredible that I was there just to witness a great young man as he was formed by God and family. Then, you went on to one of my favorite college teams, and my favorite pro team. Thanks for the memories Earl
Earl, you brought a tear to this ol’ 12′s eye. Thank you and bless all of you.
L.O.B!!
Very humbled to read about your experience.. Reading this had me in tears just to know how appreciative you are of us 12s just like how we appreciate all you guys very much. Living in WA my whole life & growing up watching my SEAHAWKS play it was hard knowing that people overlooked them but this football season.. OMG!! I waited 29 yrs to see my team win a Super Bowl & to prove everyone who doubted my team wrong & you guys did that for us.. Thank You! Throughout this journey with you guys, I NEVER Doubted you guys & prayed for you guys all the time. Came Super Bowl week.. I knew yall had this & yall Dominated!! Never ever think we take yall for granted because us 12s LOVE THE HEKK OUT OF YOU GUYS!! Can’t wait until next Season!! I’M IN ALL THE WAY!! #LOB #WhoGotMyBack #IGotYoBack #SEAHAWKS24/7 #LeaveNODoubt #WeAllWeGot #WeAllWeNeed #GoHAWKS
L.O.B.
Lovely! I especially enjoyed the paragraph about visiting Kam the morning of the Super Bowl. You two are my favorite Seahawks, which says something on a team that is overflowing with talent and integrity. Just a few sentences, and I could almost feel the special bond and love there. That’s what this team is: special. Thanks to the team and organization for this incredible victory; thanks to you for being the epitome of a true athlete. You all are challenging the paradigm of what a successful NFL team should be, in every way, and I’m proud to be a life-long Seattleite and 12!
A beautifully written post. From what I saw on tv, I will always remember the way you, Kam, Bobby, Jeremy Lane, Russell, and Michael Bennett shook hands with Peyton after the end of the game. That was awesome. Just pure class.
You make me proud to be a ’12′
A very good read. When you retire, you could become a writer. Very exciting watching you do what you do.
Remind me again not to read posts from ET in a crowded bus. I just got all teary eyed lol.
Thanks for sharing Earl. That is a very thoughtful and well articulated piece. You have become my favorite player over the course of the season. I have great admiration for the entire defense, Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll, the whole team. But, Earl I think you are the best. A great player, a great leaded and now I can see a great person.
Thanks and someday I hope to run into you giving safety advice down at 1st and Pike St.
What a great article! As a Washingtonian and fellow 12th man, I want to say thank you to the entire Seahawks organization for accomplishing what Seahawks fans have been dreaming about for decades. This team had been seconded guessed all year and no one outside of themselves or the 12th man knew what we had in this team! There is no bandwagon for them to jump on! There’s just a little thing called RESPECT that is due! So to all the 12th man faithful and the Seahawks organization, “We all got……..
This. Was. AWESOME!
I have been a Seahawks fan since 1976, many many fun memories over the years! This team was a special bunch no doubt and I never had a doubt we would take down the best the NFL had to offer. Congrats Earl you deserve it!! Thanks for sharing. just wish my Mom lived 3 more years to see her beloved Seahawks be World Champions!
Congrats and thanks for the memories
Jim
Thank you for all your hard work and bringing a championship to Seattle.. Can’t express how thankful all seahawks fans are towards the LOB.
Thank you, Earl… for these insights and your feelings and outlook. I have been watching and hoping for the Hawks since Dave Craig, Steve Largent and Curt Warner (the other one, laughs) (I loved watching him run as much as I do Marshawn Lynch, truly), Sam Adams, etc. !!! Thanks ‘team’ for bringing it home, and especially you LOB!!!
Earl, I’ve been reading your articles all season & I respect you & your effort so much. I’ve been a seahawk all my life & yours & the rest of the LOB’s hard work has given every hawk a memory and feeling we have never had before & I thank you for that. I respect you for the man you are & everything you bring to Seattle. You are truly a great writer as well & I look forward to always following you in all your accomplishments. Of all nfl players your my favorite as far as level of play & your demeanor which shows true class. I will always wear your jersey. Thank you!
Great read! Thanks for sharing Earl
Well spoken, Earl. Thanks so much for being the man and being such a positive influence for your teammates, and your adopted city. Thanks also for bringing back the feeling I had when I was a kid, cheering for Griffey, Buhner, Martinez, and Johnson, for making us all believe. I wear #29 proudly each and every game day. Can’t wait until fall. Have a great offseason.
-DT
My father worked as an administrator at the kingdome for its entire existence so I “grew up” around professional sports and specifically the Hawks. Words can’t express my gratitude to you and the rest of the team, coaches and staff for all the work you put in to making this season the first in 38 years that had what it took to win a championship. Thank you for all you’ve done, all you’ve sacrificed, all you’ve practiced, all you’ve studied, all you’ve committed to, all you’ve avoided and all you’ve given to make this a championship season. No matter what happens next year or the years after, no one can ever take away our championship! Thank you, Earl! Thank you! 38 years of thank you!
Bro Earl: you are all about “Achievement” and that is exactly what you have done. I have thoroughly enjoyed this season as a home bound 12th Man. We the members of your Noble Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, here in the Pacific Northwest are proud of you and your teammates. Know that we support you with our prayers and best wishes. I will, God willing, celebrate my 64th year as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi in December 2014, let us hope and pray that you and your teammates will be once again successful on the “Gridiron of Life” in the same manner that you are at Century Link. By he way, I am originally from “Orange, NJ” and graduated from Orange High School in 1949.
God bless and keep you and your teammates,
Sincerely
Yours in the Bond
Earl, LOB,,, Thank you so much for all that you are, both on and off the field.You are a leader of our team on the field as well as off. I call you “The General” you lead by example, and push our entire team to be the best they can be. I am so happy that you are a Seahawk,and hope you will be for a long time to come. We have an incredible team, so many Great players, and you guys have a brotherhood that is hard to find out there and it shows when your on the field.Hope we can keep at least the core of this team together because if we do I see a lot of Victories coming over the next few years… See you in April….GO HAWKS,,,LOB, BEASTMODE…
Great read. I can’t stop crying every time I relive the moment. Thank you so much for what you have done for us.
EARL, I am 38 and was born in Seattle. For as long as I can remember, I have watched Seahawk games with my father who is now 73yrs old. When I got married, I watched with my husband who was also born in Seattle and who grew up watching the Hawks with his dad. Through the good and bad seasons, our families have always been 12′s. My husband and I watched the Superbowl at a bar in downtown SEA full of fellow 12s. The energy in Seattle that night was beyond words. My husband took our two daughters to the parade.THANK YOU EARL AND EACH INDIVIDUAL SEAHAWK for your hard work and dedication to this team, the organization, and to Seattle. I wish you continued peace love and success in all that you do in the future. We will never forget what you’ve done for our city. PEACE.
The passion you bring to the field is unmatched, and its gone done made us champions. Thank you for everything you’ve brought to my city/state/region.
All I can say is thank you. Thank you for winning the first Super Bowl for the team I have rooted for since before you were born. Thank you for being the best player on the best defense in the NFL. Thank you for all the incomprehensible hard work you put in to be the player you are. Thank you for sharing some of yourself with us in this blog, one of the best fan outlets in the NFL. Thank you for smacking John Elway upside his fat, ugly, horse-face (before your time, I know, just trust me). Thank you for embracing us. Thank you for bringing a Lombardi trophy to Seattle.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, SUPERBOWL XLVIII CHAMPIONS!
LOB!!
GO ‘HAWKS!!!
Got little water eye, great article Earl.
Thank you for this beautiful and eloquent post – although everything that you do seems to be that way. You continue to be one of my favorite players to watch simply because of the look on your face and in your eyes every time you are on the field is that of such amazing focus and motivation – you truly are an inspiration. I could go on and on, but everyone on here has already commented my feelings – just a few extra standouts: the Sound FX when you are warming up and you, Sherm and Kam telling each other “I love you” gets the tears flowing every time, and that photo of you by a Seahawks photographer sitting by yourself before a game, getting into the “zone.” And that look in your beautiful eyes. I am just so jubilant to have you on our Seattle team. Thank you Earl Thomas the Third, from the bottom of my heart: thank you.
Thank you isn’t sufficient enough of how I feel. You see I was a refugee from a war torn country in the 80′s and immediatly felt in love with American sports especially Seahawks football. Being Seattle sport fan isn’t easy. I had so many dispointments and hart broken moments that my heart grew numbs. This year, you made so many new Seahawks fans including my wife. I was so afraid that she too would be going through what I went through and that she wouldn’t know how to handle the agonies of defeats. So thank you for making all of our dreams come through!
Fun to hear about the day leading up to the game from your perspective. I was on edge watching the players come out onto the field on TV, looking for who seems dazed / nervous / starstruck on the big stage. I saw your face bounce past and as a (less talented) competitive athelete myself I recognized the look immediately, beautiful thing really, honest to God I sat back at that moment and said “I have a good feeling about this”. Congrats and thanks for the ride!
What impressed me the most is how you all looked so composed throughout the game. I not once saw any of you celebrate like you had won the game till the clock read 0. For a so called “young team” with no superbowl experience that was impressive.
I don’t know if it has quite sunk in for you yet but I just have to remind you. You guys won the very first Superbowl for the Seattle Seahawks! This city and all of th PNW will forever be grateful. We love you guys. L.O.B #GoHawks
thank you for sharing this day, and for always thinking of the 12th man. you are my favorite player on the Seahawks. you have an unbelievable sense of your surroundings and a foresight that can almost be compared to a sixth sense. congratulations to you and the rest of the seahawks! hoping to see a repeat.
Proof of what hard work gets you, and everyone knows that the guys on the Seahawks, especially guys like Wilson, Chancellor and Thomas, work harder than anyone to be the best they can be.
I’m proud to be a lifelong Seahawks fan even moreso because I know that the guys are this team are modeling hard work each and every day.
Great job Earl!
I love you Earle Thomas, I love all of you!!!
Awesome team, awesome people!!!
Go Hawks!!!!
You are a great leader and better person congratulations L.O.B.
GOHAWKS!
what a boss E.T> 29 LOB
Earl,
From my heart…Thank you for all you bring and who you are. Thank you for your intense and smart play. Thank for the championship and bringing home the trophy. You are THE man.
Your class all the way.
After 36 years of waiting I did cry tears of joy.
Thank you
Thank you, Earl! these moment are something everyone will always have that brings them together. Looking forward to more!
Earl, you and the whole Seahawk team have taken the game of football to another level. From the opening kickoff to the end of the Super Bowl, that was the best exhibition of football I have ever witnessed. Thank you for your commitment to the game of football, to the Seahawks, and to the people of Seattle. We couldn’t be prouder.
Go Hawks!!
Thank you for your leadership! I was one yelling L.O.B in NJ. what a great time watching the Hawks take the Championship! Celebrate, and keep working…see you soon
Billie
Earl,
Thank you for allowing us to have a peak into you and the Seahawks preparation. Your intensity and attention to detail and preparation clearly makes you a great player. But more importantly I want to compliment you on the man you are and a huge thanks to your family for instilling such great values. You’re a pleasure to watch and I thank you for being YOU!!!
Wow…I cried when you guys won the NFC Championship and I cried when you won the Super Bowl, and you just made me tear up again. I’ve been a Seahawks fan my entire life, but we can never put into words how special this particular group of player have been to us. You all are an inspiration with your actions on, but especially off the field. I think the reason it really has felt so special is because we’ve felt so connected to you guys. Thank you for everything you do! I think you are the best defensive back in the league, hands down.
I hope Hawks can keep Earn for whole his career, together with Sherman, Kambambam and Wilson. Do I miss BB here? Wishing him be back as a LOB
You bring tears to my eyes again.. Happy, passionate, loyal tears!!! You are all amazing!!
GO HAWKS!
Mr. Thomas
Like so many 12s have already said that was an eloquent blog entry. I saw you in college and was super stoked when we drafted you. I knew it would pay off huge. You have more than exceeded expectations. Thank you so much, and I’m so proud of you!
Wow! I’m a 45 yo guy and always been a hardcore 12. Never though till now have I actually wanted to go get a players jersey.
Earl, as a long time season ticket holder I’ve had the opportunity to feel how the intensity elevates each round of the playoffs. I was also lucky enough to go to NYC for the game and see how well the 12th man traveled. I was sitting in one of the season ticket holder sections in the Seahawks’ end zone and you could tell the fans were ready to go as well. We were at full roar even as Denver huddled up and the place went berserk when the snap went over Mannings head. Hearing the NFL FX pieces after the game where the Denver o-line said they didn’t hear the snap count and that they would be going to a silent count for the rest of the game was confirmation that we had done our job as well. Glad you heard the LOB chants throughout the game!
the lord is really blessing you earl. thanks for putting orange tx on the national stage all the sports guys are saying that you are the number one safty in the nfl earl I live at 520 greenbriair in west orange earl is want to meet some time you are visiting your mom and dad best regards bill hare orange tx may the lord conitune to bless you and your family
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