Ranking the 15 greatest Seahawks players ever, from Marshawn Lynch to Walter Jones

The Seattle Seahawks have been in the NFL since 1974. In that 50-plus seasons, they have had their fair share of success on the field. With the rousing support of the "12th Man" and the loudest home crowd in the league, a ton of great pro football performers have felt the love in the "Emerald City."

The Sporting News ranks the 15 best players in Seahawks history, from a thunderous fan-favorite running back to one of the NFL's most dominant offensive tackles:

Players were ranked based on a points system made up of nine categories. Points from a scale of 1-10 were assigned based on each player's strength in a particular category and added up for a final score.

MORE: 10 oldest QB matchups in NFL history

15. Kam Chancellor (2010-2017)

Accolades: 8 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Kam Chancellor makes the cut for his signature hard-hitting cleanup style as the enforcing safety in the "Legion of Boom" secondary, playing off Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman to blow up plays and make plenty of his own.

Place in Seahawks history: Chancellor's unique run support and coverage talents are shown in the fact he's both No. 5 in total tackles (421) and interceptions (12). A neck injury (spinal stenosis) cut short his career for fear of suffering a more severe ailment.

MORE: Why Kam Chancellor modeled legendary Sean Taylor on the field

14. Tyler Lockett (2015-2024)

Accolades: 10 seasons, 1 Pro Bowl, 1-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN's list: Tyler Lockett spent a decade as a key go-to target, both in the slot and outside, helping to stretch the field with Russell Wilson (with whom he shared an uncanny efficient deep connection) and Geno Smith. He also was an explosive return man beyond being a smart, good hands route-runner.

Place in Seahawks history: Lockett left the Seahawks as No. 2 in receptions (661), receiving yards (8,594) and receiving TDs (51), behind only Hall of Famer Steve Largent in all three categories.

MORE: Why did the Seahawks cut Tyler Lockett in 2025?

13. Matt Hasselbeck (2001-2010)

Accolades: 10 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls

Why he made SN's list: Matt Hasselbeck, a Boston College product went from Packers backup to surpassing Jim Zorn and Dave Krieg as the Seahawks' passing leader at quarterback before Russell Wilson's arrival. Hasselbeck was an efficient leader and winner in Mike Holmgren's version of the West Coast offense. He led Seattle to its first NFC title and an appearance in Super Bowl 40 vs. Pittsburgh.

Place in Seahawks history: Hasselbeck had more statistical success than Krieg or Zorn with his level of play in an ideal system. He also was a well-liked and confident face of the franchise for a decade.

MORE: What to know about passer rating metric in the NFL

12. Steve Hutchinson (2001-2005)

Accolades: 5 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN's list: Steve Hutchinson didn't play for a long time in Seattle ahead of his controversial free-agent departure to Minnesota, where he continued his elite Hall of Fame guard play. For the Seahawks, he was a top run blocker, paving the way for Shaun Alexander's MVP rushing season that ended in a trip to Super Bowl 40.

Place in Seahawks history: Hutchinson was a dominant player in his stint with the team and left a legacy of high-impact blocking. He was too good even for too short of time to be left off this list.

MORE: Why does the NFL allow ties?

11. Jacob Green (1980-1991)

Accolades: 12 seasons, 2 Pro Bowls

Why he made SN's list: Jacob Green was taken in the first round No. 10 overall in the 1980 draft out of Texas A&M. He was a very active and disruptive pass rusher who was a force against the league's best blockers.

Place in Seahawks history: Green had a team record 97.5 sacks (unofficially 115.5) to make him one of the most prolific pass rushers in the decade of the 1980s.

MORE: Everything to know about NFL roughing the passer penalty

10. Marshawn Lynch (2010-2015)

Accolades: 6 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL rushing TDs leader, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Marshawn Lynch's "Beast Mode" era seemed like it lasted longer than a half-dozen years given the thunderous impact he had as Seattle's powerful workhorse back to complement the defense. From his explosive runs to energetic scoring bursts, Lynch was a Skittles-lovin' barreling machine of a feature back. He was a tremendous fan favorite for the fun and smarts he showed while playing the game and also for his unwavering individuality off the field.

Place in Seahawks history: Lynch is fourth all-time with his 6,381 rushing yards as a Seahawk but second to only Shaun Alexander in rushing TDs (58). His offensive "Boom" to support a great defense still reverberates in the city, and his presence endures with his terrific work in the community.

MORE: Marshawn Lynch back on NFL sidelines as a photographer

9. Richard Sherman (2011-2017)

Accolades: 7 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL interceptions leader, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Richard Sherman served as the vocal, energetic shutdown and big-play cornerback in the secondary-powered "Legion of Boom" defense. He had the needed swagger to erase wide receivers in downfield coverage and wasn't afraid to let them know about it with his cerebral presence. The Stanford draft steal saved his best for whenever he faced former coach Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers during the heat of the archrivalry with the Seahawks.

Place in Seahawks history: Sherman is tied with Hall of Fame Seahawks safety Kenny Easley with the fourth-most interceptions while playing for Seattle (32). He is the best Seahawks corner ever with his combination of leadership and playmaking and has a strong Hall of Fame case of his own.

MORE: Why Richard Sherman joined Amazon's NFL broadcast team

8. Earl Thomas (2010-2018)

Accolades: 9 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Earl Thomas was another key member of the "Legion of Boom" secondary with his rangy playmaking at free safety, an equal asset in coverage and tackling vs. the run. He was a great complement to hard-hitting strong safety Kam Chancellor and supported corner Richard Sherman with smooth inside coverage. He had a knack for coming through in clutch moments.

Place in Seahawks history: Thomas is No. 6 among Seahawks with his 28 interceptions and also ranks in the top 10 in career solo tackles. The former Texas Longhorn made a huge impact in 12 playoff games, including the Super Bowl 48 win over the Broncos.

MORE: Ranking the 15 greatest Texas Longhorns players ever

7. Kenny Easley (1981-1987)

Accolades: 7 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1-time NFL interceptions leader

Why he made SN's list: Kenny Easley, a Hall of Fame safety, lived up to every expectation after being drafted No. 4 overall in 1981 out of UCLA. In his prime, he was the most dangerous secondary playmaker in the AFC when the Seahawks still played in that conference, including his league-high 10-interceptions in 1984.

Place in Seahawks history: The Seahawks had plenty of defensive back stardom in the modern "Legion of Boom" days, but Easley was their OG defensive supernova. He played at a high level until a battle with kidney disease ended his career before a potential trade to Arizona.

MORE: What is a catch in the NFL?

6. Shaun Alexander (2000-2007)

Accolades: 8 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL MVP, 1-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 1-time NFL rushing yards leader, 2-time NFL rushing TDs leader, 1-time NFL scoring leader

Why he made SN's list: Shaun Alexander is the best running back in team history, powered by his 2005 spectacular season in which he rushed for 1,880 yards and scored 28 total TDs, winning MVP and carrying the Seahawks to Super Bowl 40.

Place in Seahawks history: Alexander leads the franchise in all-time rushing yards and TDs and even though his time wasn't long, he will be remembered for revving up Mike Holmgren's offense to a championship level behind some strong blocking.

MORE: Seahawks legendary RB has 14th child on the way

5. Bobby Wagner (2012-2021, 2023)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 6-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time NFL combined tackles leader, 1-time NFL solo tackles co-leader, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Bobby Wagner, a future Hall of Famer, has been wire-to-wire one of game's elite tackling machines throughout his career. The second-round draft steal out of Utah State was just as critical to the Seahawks building their defensive dominance under Pete Carroll as the "Legion of Boom" secondary. Wagner also helped out big-time in coverage and was a emotional overall team leader on top of being the defensive captain.

Place in Seahawks history: Wagner, through two separate Seahawks stints mixed with continued top play for the Rams and Commanders, is both beloved and well-respected for his relentless and reliable contributions to his original team, never having much of a drop-off. Only one Seahawks defender has been better all-time.

MORE: Why did Seattle move on from Bobby Wagner in 2022?

4. Cortez Kennedy (1990-2000)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 8 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Why he made SN's list: Cortez Kennedy, who sadly died of heart failure at only age 48, left a lasting imprint as the Seahawks' best-ever defensive player. He was one of the most dominant pass-rushing defensive tackles in the decade of the 1990s, right up there with fellow Hall of Famers Bruce Smith and John Randle. During his third season in 1992, Kennedy won league DPOY honors on the strength of 14 sacks and 92 overall tackles. The No. 3 overall draft pick out of Miami lived up to his lofty expectations and more.

Place in Seahawks history: Kennedy remains revered for his work on the field with his athleticism, determination and intelligence. He has a special place in Seattle along with Kenny Easley as a defensive superstar exclusive to the team.

MORE: Revisiting the heaviest NFL players of all time

3. Steve Largent (1976-1989)

Accolades: 14 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Man of the Year, 2-time NFL receiving yards leader

Why he made SN's list: Steve Largent was one of the most prolific and reliable downfield Hall of Fame wide receivers of his era, averaging 16 yards per catch during his Seahawks career, holding his own with top contemporaries such as Jerry Rice. He was known for his hands and route-running on top of his big- and clutch-play ability.

Place in Seahawks history: Largent leads the Seahawks with his 819 receptions, 13,089 receiving yards and 100 receiving TDs, holding a big lead for the team's wideout triple crown over Tyler Lockett.

MORE: What are the most valuable NFL franchises?

2. Russell Wilson (2012-2021)

Accolades: 10 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 1-time NFL passer rating leader, 1-time NFL passing TDs leader, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Russell Wilson never had a full losing season as the Seahawks' starting quarterback and began his career starting 165 consecutive games, including 17 playoff games and two Super Bowls. Even though he left Seattle on rocky terms and has faded fast with Denver and Pittsburgh, plus the fact he made an ill-fated interception that ended chances at a repeat ring, Wilson was on point as an efficient, improvising leader and big-time winner as Seahawks QB. He also was among the league's elite passers in his prime and a terrific off-field presence in the community.

Place in Seahawks history: Wilson is the all-time Seahawks leader in passing yards (37,059), passing TDs (292) and passer rating (101.8). When time passes, Wilson will get a lot more love again for what he did in energizing Seattle as a perennial playoff team and NFC title hopeful. Before he left the Seahawks, he already had Hall of Fame-worthy production and play.

MORE: How much has Russell Wilson made in career earnings, endorsements and more

1. Walter Jones (1997-2008)

Accolades: 12 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN's list: Walter Jones is one of the most dominant Hall of Fame left tackles to ever play the game. Along with NFC West contemporary Orlando Pace, he got to Canton through unwavering pass protection and awesome run blocking to boot. At 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, Jones used all of his size, strength and athleticism to win battles, and his impact on the Seahawks' overall offensive success was both apparent and massive.

Place in Seahawks history: Jones deserves to have the top spot. The sixth overall pick in the 1997 draft out of Florida State was worthy of that selection from the get-go and never relented with the prowess in his craft. His number 71, like Steve Largent's retired 80, will never be worn again by another Seahawks player.

MORE: Ranking the 16 greatest Florida State players ever