Everybody, welcome back to Area 29. I know I haven’t checked in for a little while. I’ve definitely been having some fun, enjoying life with my family and friends. But I’ve also approached this offseason with the same mentality I had the whole year.
I want to keep raising my game.
One thing I’ve been doing is just keep my body moving. As you get older, your body starts to react differently to different things, so I definitely want to keep my motor running and maintain that grinding mentality I had throughout the season. Keeping that up will put me in the best position for OTAs and training camp.
That’s why I started working out at my home in Orange, Texas, just a week after the Super Bowl. I wanted to maintain a rhythm. One way I’ve been able to do that is by keeping a routine. I’m trying to keep my day-to-day similar to what it is during the season. I’m getting up at the same time in the morning as I would if I had meetings. I’m taking my lunch break the same time as I would at the facility.
I’ve also been spending a lot of time watching film from last season. I’m very close with the video equipment guys, and Brad — who kind of runs that whole department — set me up with all the game tape on my personal computer. I brought that down to Texas with me, set up a little office in my backroom, and went through everything from the first game against Carolina through the Super Bowl. It was crazy to see the progression that everybody on the team made.
Still, there is a long way for me to go. I know if I can maximize this offseason, I can be even better next year. Everything I need to work on is on the tape that I put out last season. It doesn’t even have to be a game-breaking play or a negative play in the coaches’ book. Maybe it’s something where I just felt like I was a tad bit out of position when I came out of my break.
So I’ve been taking what I see on film, and working on it. I didn’t hire special trainers or gurus who work specifically with professional athletes. Instead, I’ve been working with a few of my high school teammates: Andre Bevil, who was the quarterback at West Orange Stark when I went there and now coaches at Beaumont Central, and Jacoby Franks, who was a receiver at Stark and went on to Texas Tech.
Andre throws passes and Jacoby runs routes while I put myself in different spots at the safety position: in the middle of the field, in man-to-man coverage or in the hook. We run through it like we would in a game. It’s been really beneficial for me.
We also do some weight room work together. The thing I like about working out with those guys is that it’s comfortable. I’ve been friends with them since our Pop Warner days. We get to just go in there, talk, laugh, have fun and put in work together.
COMING HOME
I always go back to Orange after the season. It’s something I’ve done every year since I left for college. It helps put things into perspective.
You remember your roots. You pass by those baseball and football fields that used to look so big, but now look so small. You remember those moments when you were a little kid, and how good it felt just to be out there with your dad throwing you the ball in whatever sport you were playing. My dad had me and my brother backpedaling at six and seven years old for football. He also made us a makeshift batting cage so that we could practice hitting for baseball. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we made it work no matter what.
My brother and I did everything together. We still do. That’s probably why he’s my best friend. We’ve been the same since I was taking his bottle when we were babies. He’s been there every step of the way with me. This past season, he was at every practice, every game. We have a routine we do on the sideline where we clap three times, and give each other a salute. It’s a sign of mutual respect. I know I wouldn’t be this far without him, and vice versa.
As the older brother, you know your little brother looks up to you, so you definitely want to be the role model in his life. Like all brothers, we fight. but the good thing about our relationship is that if we have an argument, we brush it off. That’s something that’s been with me through my upbringing. My mom and dad always told me, “Take care of your little brother.”
I will always do that.
I’m very proud of him too. He’s the first person in our family to graduate college. I haven’t even been able to do that yet. He has the same mentality as I do — whatever we put our minds to, we’re going to get it done. He did that with his degree.
He’s also a great, caring person and a humble guy. He’s quiet like I am, but he’s smarter than me. I remember when we were coming up, my mom and dad used to get mad if he brought home a ‘B’ in school. He’s gifted, and I know what he’s capable of.
LIFE IN ORANGE
I’ve had a lot of great experiences in Orange over the last month.
I love going back to my old high school, West Orange Stark, because it’s the place that made me a man, allowed me to grow as a student-athlete and helped me get to college. I take everything as it relates to West Orange Stark sports seriously. That’s why, a couple weeks back, I posted on my Instagram that I was courtside at a basketball game. (The refs had to tell me to tone it down a little bit because I was courtside, maybe being a little too passionate about West Orange Stark sports.) My passion for sports doesn’t stop with football. No matter what it is — baseball, basketball, football — I’m going to be at the game.
In addition to spending a lot of time around my high school, I visited the Sheriff’s Department, and they honored me with a sheriff’s patch. I told them how much I appreciated everything they do for our town. I also wanted them to know that I’m all about change. Change can come to the slums and projects of Orange, to the people who don’t have anything. That was another reason I wanted to visit the Sheriff’s Department — to start bridging the gap between the poor in our community, and everyone else. So while I was there, I visited the jail, too.
Orange is not that big, but where I come from, we’re kind of misunderstood in some ways. We’re not given the same opportunities as everybody else. That’s not to make any excuses for anybody, but you are what your environment is. I kind of defied it because of my upbringing, but not everybody in Orange had the parents in their life that I did growing up. When I was at the jailhouse, I saw people who I’d seen around Orange when I was growing up, and told them, “Man, you can do better than this.” There was one guy who was a great musician, and had our whole church rocking when I was younger. I told him, “You need to get back to the music.”
One of the ultimate highlights of being back home was a parade the town held to honor me. Obviously, it wasn’t as big a parade as we had in Seattle, but it was just as special because it was just my hometown, saluting me. I wanted to just soak in that moment. I was happy and grateful, and for everyone to come out in their Seahawks Earl Thomas 29 jerseys. That’s Cowboys country, so you never really see another team’s colors take over like that. But the Seahawks have definitely taken over Orange.
The crazy thing was that I dreamed a long time ago that I would have a parade in Orange. I had no idea it was going to come from the Super Bowl. But there it was. And just to see everybody come out and have it be all love, nobody fighting, it was amazing. It was cool to see the familiar faces in the crowd, and also the little kids that I’m affecting in a positive way, and hopefully, giving a path to follow.
A lot of people in Orange that I grew up with are still there, and a lot of those people helped me out along the way. Teachers, coaches, different people that worked at my high school — even the people who didn’t make it, who were on the streets, they helped me. I remember everybody. They had a great impact on my life. It takes a village to raise a kid, no matter who you are. I’m a prime example of that. My mom and dad had a great say in the man who I’ve become, but there were a lot of other people who helped me get to this point. Knowing what I know now, I can see that impacting someone else’s life in a positive way is one of the greatest things you can do with your life.
I’m just one person, but God is powerful. For him to put me on this platform and allow me to bring everyone together — that was my most thrilling experience since the Super Bowl. We’re a small town, but that doesn’t decrease our worth and our impact. Anybody can have an impact. You just need to have the heart and the determination.
I want to have an impact and leave my mark. It’s cool that when people think about Orange, Texas, they think about me. Being that type of representative of my hometown means everything.
I want to do everything in my power to help keep Orange strong, and my name strong.
Earl, this is very well written! Thank you for being the person you are. Orange, and the people here love you because you have shown us how to be a star and still stay Earl. I know that can’t be easy. Thank you for being true to yourself and a role model for others.
Love,
Mrs. Hancock
I have to say I am a die hard Cowboys fan, but after meeting you and your family at the Earl Thomas Foundation event held at my job, Granger Chevrolet, I became an Earl Thomas fan. You do a lot for this community and have many small eyes looking up to you. Keep up the good work and never forget where you came from and who walked with you all the way.
I loved reading this. Way to keep it real and go back to your roots. You are truly a great inspiration.
Great blog again as usual Earl. You are becoming the master at this. I truly admire the way you go about your craft. Your intensity, focus and attention to detail is unlike any I’ve ever seen. You are a true pro in every sense.
As a lifelong Seahawk fan, I hope we sign you for your entire career…hopefully that extension comes this summer, you deserve it!
Great blog post. That billboard is awesome. We’re pretty proud of you up here in Seattle too. Can’t wait to get you all back here to make it back to back Lombardi’s.
Thanks for letting us into the mind of a champion and what it takes to get and stay there. We can all relate to that desire in our own lives. It’s inspirational. Never leave Seattle! With the rain, there’s no grass greener.
What a tremendous blessing you are! You are exactly the kind of role model needed today. Full of grace, humility, and love! Thank you, Earl, for making such great choices!! Tell your mom hi!!
I had the honor to coach Little Earl in LL Baseball for a few years and I can say this with a BIG smile…..He is exactly the same young man as he was back then, Honest Hard working and all about Family….You represent Orange,Texas very well and we are all proud. Congrats from the Dugas’ Family!!
This is why you are my role model… Always have kept god first and always have been humble to your hometown and area (409) not just because the type if person you are but also because if the heart and dedication you show on the football field. 205 and 5,10 aren’t the biggest size on the field but your heart and passion and relationship with God puts your game on top. Not to mention you drive me to not give up on my football dream to play safety even though I’ve encounters opposition !
Earl,
I am not from Orange, but Houston. I am a Longhorn however so I bleed burnt orange, so I’ll take this blog to have a double meaning. We are so proud of not only your football accolades, but moreso the man you have become and how you represent your hometown, THE University of Texas, and our great state. God has blessed you but he has also blessed us with you. Congrats on all the success and Hook ‘Em!!!
You are an inspiration to everyone. So humble and great to see you keep God first.. I’m from Orange also. Graduated from West Orange Stark also in 1982.. years ago! lol.. I’m a die hard fan of the Dallas Cowboys but because of you and Richard Sherman you will be my second favorite team..:-)
You are definitely a driven and humble man. That must be why I choose to wear your jersey number out of the many on the Seahawks. Keep up the good work you’ve done, enjoy your well deserved time off and we’ll see soon.
Congratulations Earl. Keep doin’ Texas proud. Hook’em!!!
Being born and raised in Orange it is so great to see one of our own succeed and share your journey with all of us. You have given our youth such encouragement whether it was from your football camp or just being around town talking with them,taking pictures,your foundation..etc…etc…We have some of the best athletes,coaches,parents,supporters in our little town. Thank you for being a positive role model to our youth and community. Orange TX will always have your back….Best of Luck…Can’t wait till next season:)
I work at a school in a very small town in Washington State and wish every student in our school could hear your message. Everything is coming from the heart of a great role model! Wishing you a great off season and we are looking forward to seeing you back this year. “GO HAWKS”
I would like to say hip hip horay to you Earl Thomas. I love reading your blogg, it is so uplifting. you are such a super person. I am not from Orange,Texas but i feel like you are all of our hero. You are such a down to earth individual that have not forgotten where he come from and just listening to you explain your life while growing up in Orange,makes me know that you will never change. And i have much respect and love for you. You are our hero also here in Silsbee,Texas. We love you E.T. III. Congratulation!!!
Praying that everyone will continue to be in awe at each and every level / platform God places you on!
Great Blog Earl… as a Seahawk fan from the beginning its so great to see what a team of not only great athletes we have, but also great men and role models for our young fans, I still remember the day when I was a junior in high school that Steve Largent & Jim Zorn came to talk to use with the Christian Athletes in Action group, 1977, they made such an impression on so may, they were truly just great guys. I had the pleasure of meeting Norm Johnson in the 80’s we are the same age, another truly great guy. You, Richard, Kam, Malcom, Derrick, Russell, Doug, Jermaine, Zach, Golden (who will be missed by the the true 12’s) and the rest of the guys are Great role models for my 10 & 8 yr old grandson’s who are just starting their athletic futures. I tell them work hard, stay in school, and apply yourself and there is no reason you can’t live all your dreams. Can’t wait for next season nothing better than Seahawks football & the LOB…We are ready for the Re-PETE.
When you get back into Seattle, stop by the Amber Restaurant, and ask for Mackenzie..she saw you in town after the parade and was to shy to say hi!
G O H A W K S ! ! ! !
Intensity:
1. quality of being intense: the strength, power, force, or concentration of something
2. Earl Thomas
Great blog, Earl. All was so well said. I wanna tell you how much of an inspiration you are to all of us. I love how you put your all into everything you do. We’re big fans from up here in the lovely PNW, and feel so blessed to have you on our team. I know your hometown is super proud of you and all that you do. Thank you, for helping make a better place not only for your community, but everywhere else around the world. If we could all just do a little bit like that, throughout the whole world, what a wonderful place this could be. Much love. And God bless. ♥
My hat is off to you good Sir, you are a gentleman with a heart. I really appreciated reading your blog. Do continue your work in building Bridges – and by all means winning Super Bowls.
My Brother Thomas, love the site. I personally know of 4700 Nupes who would love to follow your site. Can we get a subscription button on here. -Damon J. Davis Eta Eta Swing SP99 Charter Omicron Theta
My heart dropped when I first saw “Life in Orange” ~ My thoughts were that you went to play for Denver. After reading your blog my heart swelled with pride that you are still a Seahawk, and hope will always be. You are such a great role model to every man, woman and child. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being you.
This is really cool ET. Thanks for sharing a little of your life with us. Looking forward to a great new season for the Seahawks and the LOB!
You are a great inspiration to your community and to your fans!!! My daughter attended UT (Class of 2010) at the same time you did – we enjoyed seeing you play for the “horns and love watching you play for the Seahawks! Been a fan since inception and I don’t remember being as excited as I have been these last 2 years!!
Congratulations Earl on the great super bowl victory! I am a 12 and my husband has been a Seahawks fan all his life. I love that you mention your brother and how close you are. Also that your parents raised you to be there for each other. My oldest son, Christian who is 14 is a huge ET and Seahawks fan. My youngest son, Ethan who is 11, has special needs but loved watching the Hawks every week with us this season. Just like your parents we tell our oldest to always be there for his brother. Being a part of the community and going back to your hometown is wonderful! Keep up the great work!
Since I live in the same area as you, I pass your house with my grandsons several times a day. They never fail to look to see if you happen to be outside, and if not remark, “I wonder what Earl is doing?” I usually tell them you are probably training to improve your game. After reading this blog, it sounds like that is an accurate remark. I share your comments about your values, work ethic, and devotion to God and family with them in the hopes they listen and learn. I will be so proud if they become half the man your parents raised you to be.
Earl, way to keep your roots close. Your play on the field is so inspirational; it is great to see you are the same way off the field.
So many hawks are great role models. Thanks for the past year and hopefully many more to come.
It’s great having the opportunity to get a glimpse of the person! As a die-hard Seahawks fan, we love you on the field and this just takes it to another level. So proud of you and the team! Thanks for a spectacular season…can hardly wait for the upcoming season! Enjoy your break!!!
What a tremendous spirit you have, Earl. I enjoyed reading your blog and seeing the photos so much. We are all so incredibly proud of you.
I’ve always said athletes shouldn’t be role models. In your case that’s different. You have your priorities straight and I hope my son ends up the kind of man you have became.
Great blog. Great job with the LOB Earl. Congratulations on the Superbowl. I wear your jersey. I met you and Richard Sherman in Seattle after the game in Seattle vs. the 49ers. Thanks for the photo op. How can I get an autographed photo. Thanks. Go Seahawks.
Enjoy yourself and your family. You well earned and deserved it. Thanks to your parents and all those who’ve helped you along your life journey this far. But the honor, glory and power belong to GOD, Thank you.
I have watched the Seahawks w my dad my whole life. U always hear about the stories of football players coming up from bad places. However,never so Hummel never from someone who keeps their feet grounded and returns back to their roots. While others are on vacation blowing their money u r keeping it real. Back home w friends and family keeping u grounded. High school games family. Friends. Ur a great person. On the field and off. I loved reading ur post as much as I love watching u play!!! Keep up the good work. Love ya!!
You are blessed to have a hometown like Orange, and they are blessed to have you. Keep up the good work, Earl. Thanks for being such a great citizen and player. And see you next fall on TV in Hawks games!
It’s awesome to know someone from Orange,TX that has become a well-known person. Not to mention a great football player among many other talents. He is also giving back to the community. We are so proud of you Earl.
Jeanne Rhines
I live in Seattle but come from SW LA and have been to Orange many times. Through it even more. Enjoy home. There are good folks down there. And when you’re back in the NW, look me up and I’ll cook you a gumbo.
Go Hawks. LOB.
I have been a seahawks fan all my life and I gotta say this guy is the best seahawk I have ever seen. He is a straight up ball hawk and plays with a reckless abandon that only troy polumalu has shown at the safety position. But Earl is also great because he is humble, hard working, cares about his teammates and the community both in Seattle and in Orange. The best player on the super bowl champs, I hope John Schneider reads this comment and gives Earl a contract extension this year to keep him wearing blue and green for life!
Thank you for sharing. As a diehard Seahawks fan from the very beginning I am so happy to have someone like you on our team. Your parents must be very proud. You are a great person as well as a great Seahawks!
Great Post,
Like everything you do it’s top notch and real. My friend Lexi and I were sitting talking about my Hawks the day you were drafted and she told me you two were family. She’s a class act as is her mom Connie, I see it runs in the family.
I’m glad you’re a Seahawk, our team needs to keep the tradition of class acts, I cheered hard and loud when they awarded you the Steve Largent award this year. None more deserving!
Hope to see 29 on the field in Seattle for years to come!
Semper Fi
I’m so inspired by your history I couldn’t stop crying long enough to type something to let you know how much I
feel so blessed to know these details about your life.So many things touched me so deeply they stood out and spoke to me; like remembering your roots and were you come from, also things that are beneficial, putting things into perspective, and having mutual respect. This is all so up lifting; you need to write a book soon Earl, .and this is truly from my heart, you are someone special.
Sincerely; # Angel
Enjoyed !
You truly are a man of great talents and words.
Awesome story! You are blessed! We 11’s luv ya Earl!
Thank for taking a pic of my signs
WOW…glad I read this. It’s too easy for fans to take for granted the men behind the uniforms. The LOB is great…obviously because it’s comprised of GREAT men!! Thank you for your dedication to being the best at everything you do which is a role model for all. Thanks also for coming over to the Tri-cities to celebrate the SB victory. You guys are remembering the 12’s even clear over here in Washington State! After reading your blog, I’m not surprised. ET3…best of luck this coming season and always!
Welcome back from a much deserved offseason break. We missed you. Brilliant. poignant, profound, as always. Tremendous stuff. This is one of the very best player blogs in all of professional sports.
Your blog is nicely written! I was very moved by your life thus far and your passion for your faith, family, friends and football. I have always been proud to say I’m from Orange, Texas, the home of so much talent. Continue to stay focus and keep God in all your life’s plans. Many blessings in your upcoming season.
Much respect to your dedication, skill and pride ETIII. You are an amazing role model and inspiration to many. Keep grindin’, livin’ your dream and setting a great example of what all players should be!
This is a very well-written and inspirational post. I have to admit that I am a bit nervous about my 7-year-old son looking to professional athletes as role models. But, if he looks to you, I think that would be fine.
I don’t know where you get those shirts man, but they’re great! We’re proud of the leader you’ve become and the work you do for the community in your home town and up here in the Pacific Northwest too. Stay strong.
Way to go, Earl! You deserve everything you’ve gotten as you’ve busted your butt for it and helped and inspired a lot of people along the way. All the best to you and yours always. Hook em, breh!
ET-III,
I enjoyed your writing, and I very much appreciate your words. As a devout Seahawks’ fan, I enjoyed this past season. I pray you are willing to maintain your loyalty to this dynasty and join names like Jack Tatum, Ronnie Lott, Cliff Harris, and Paul Krause … may not have been the best paid, but were part of the best dynasties in football.
Play tough, be tough, and represent all of us who are 5′-10″!
Best Regards,
Jeff
Keep inspiring everyone to shoot for the stars and to believe in themselves. We are all so proud of you. God bless you and your family.
Mrs. Pierce
Thanks for all you have done for us up in the PNW Earl. Recently heard Coach Carroll refer to you as an “impeccable nutritionist” (amongst other compliments)…would love to see a blog post on your diet (off-season and in-season if those differ)…thanks again.
Gruden used to call Manning ‘The Sheriff’ ’cause he always finds his man. Well after the Superbowl, I think there’s a new Sheriff in town!
Thank you for sharing! Love how grounded you are with your hometown. We are blessed to have in Seattle!
Hi Earl!
Congratulations on all your success and accomplishments. I am very proud of you and appreciate you for bringing something back to our community that was much needed, and that is HOPE! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Much respect to you
Earl, as a PNW girl I have always enjoyed supporting Seattle’s sports teams, but it was not until a couple years ago that I started to develop my passion for Seahawks football. As a 25 year old, I am blown away at the level of passion, dedication, commitment to family and community that you and the other Hawks display, especially since many of you are my age! How exciting it must be to inspire those around you, what an amazing opportunity God has given you, and it is so encouraging to see how you have taken the opportunity and run with it. Keep running, keep fighting, keep growing, keep inspiring, Earl!! Our generation is twice the size of the baby boomers, we have the potential to change the world, and it will be because of leaders like yourself who never give up and always pursue the “What if?. God has special plans for you!! :).
Earl,
First off Congratulations on your Super Bowl win and your amazing career! The Family and I are from Beaumont and huge Longhorn fans as well as huge fans of yours!! I heard you were having a football camp at WOS high school on June 28th. My family and I are a military family and live in Ohio. My son is 8 and has been playing football for a few years now. We will be home during the camp so I tired looking up how to register him for the camp but all I could find is you had till May 10th to sign up at WOS. Is it to late to sign up? If not how do I go about getting him registered? If he cant make it I understand and hope this continues fnor years to come! You, your teammates, and former Longhorn s are doing great things for your community s! Keep up the great work!
Earl I would like to say that my family and I are very proud of u. We live in Orange and are honored to say that you are a wonderful blessing to our town. My son adores you. He is 7 years old and is about to play his first year of peewee tackle. All he talks about is how he wants to grow up and be just like you. He tells me every day that he will be the next Earl Thomas. I am honored that you have made such an impression on him. He was honored to see you in our parade. He was soo excited about his beads you gave him. He has them hanging up in his room. I wanted to send him to your camp but unfortunately I did not find out about it until the time had already expired for registration. I told him that mommy would do everything in her power to make sure that someday he would get to meet his hero and maybe you could teach him some things. We love you Earl! Keep up the good work!
Earl,
Always great to read and see you and Seth enjoying yourselves and repping Orange to the fullest. Growing up in Orange you know all we had was Cowboy football and K.Smith bringing the Superbowl championship back to West Orange Stark. Now to see you doing it in a major way plus giving back really touches my heart fam. Big Earl and Debbie raised a level headed down to earth soul. You give true meaning to the phrase “I Am My Brothers Keeper”. God Bless you and Go Hawks!!!!! 409 for Life.