Tag: Mike Holmgren

Hall of Fame semifinalists include Sterling Sharpe, Mike Holmgren

Sterling Sharpe (senior category) and Mike Holmgren (coach/contributor) were each named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2024 Hall of Fame class.

Former Green Bay Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe and former Packers coach Mike Holmgren were each named one of 12 semifinalists in their respective voting categories for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Sharpe, a five-time All-Pro, joined Ken Anderson, Maxie Baughan, Roger Craig, Randy Gradishar, Joe Jacoby, Albert Lewis, Steve McMichael, Eddie Meador, Art Powell, Otis Taylor and Al Wistert as the 12 finalists in the “senior” category, which is limited to players who last played no later than 1998.

Voters trimmed the “senior” category from 31 to 12 semifinalists.

Holmgren, who led the Packers to a Super Bowl title and two Super Bowl appearances, joined Tom Coughlin, Frank Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney Jr., Marty Schottenheimer, Mike Shanahan, Clark Shaughnessy, Lloyd Wells and John Wooten as the 12 coaches or contributors.

Voters trimmed the “coach/contributor” category from 29 to 12.

The next step is voting for finalists. The committee will meet Aug. 15 to select one coach or contributor for final consideration, while another committe will meet Aug. 22 to select up to three from the senior category for final consideration.

Sharpe was a semifinalist last year. The 2023 class features three inductions of senior members: Chuck Howley, Joe Klecko and Ken Riley.

Here is the Hall of Fame’s bio for both Sharpe and Holmgren:

Sharpe (1988-94)

 Sharpe made five Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro teams during his seven-year career with the Green Bay Packers cut short by injury. His 18 touchdown receptions in his final season is still good for third best in league history. Career totals include 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns.

Holmgren (1992-2008)

Head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1992-98 and the Seattle Seahawks from 1999-2008. Overall record of 174-122 includes victory in Super Bowl XXXI with the Packers and an NFC crown in Seattle.

6 with Browns ties named Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 semifinalists

There are six with Browns connections were named as Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalists.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced their Class of 2024 semifinalists from their seniors, coaches, and media classification. This means no first-ballot candidates will be selected from this pool. We are now just three weeks away from offensive tackle Joe Thomas being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and soon others with ties to the Cleveland Browns could join him.

Of the list of semifinalists released, there were six players, coaches, and an owner who the city of Cleveland has disdain for to make the cut. Here is the complete list of individuals with ties to the Browns who are Class of 2024 semifinalists.

Seattle Snow Day: Remembering the last two snow games for the Seahawks

Both snow games heralded the closing of specific eras in Seahawks history. Jack Frost just might be a harbinger for seismic changes in Seattle. 

It may still be winter, but snow in late February isn’t exactly usual weather for Seattle. As the Emerald City enjoys a fresh white coat, perhaps it is time to think back upon the last two snow games the Seahawks played. After all, aren’t we missing football already?

Many fans will remember the latest, which was a Week 16 home showdown with the lowly Chicago Bears in 2021. Seattle’s season was mostly derailed by an injury to then-quarterback Russell Wilson’s throwing hand, but they still had a mathematical shot at the playoffs. Chicago was supposed to an easy victory for a Seahawks team looking to stay alive, unfortunately it was the Bears who put Seattle on ice.

The Seahawks held a 17-7 halftime lead and a 24-14 lead going into the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles – making his only start for Chicago – engineered an 80-yard game-winning drive, with a touchdown pass to former Seattle tight end Jimmy Graham. The Bears eliminated the Seahawks from playoff contention with a 25-24 win.

Life in the NFL is cyclical. While the 2021 Seahawks had their season effectively ended by a bad Chicago team, in 2008 it was a bad Seattle team that helped freeze out a decent New York Jets squad.

The 3-11 Seahawks hosted the 9-5 Jets who still had a shot to win their division. Ultimately, New York quarterback Brett Favre was cold all game, throwing two interceptions, and being outdueled by Seneca Wallace – yes, this really happened – in a 13-3 Seattle victory.

Interestingly, both snow games heralded the closing of specific eras in Seahawks history. The 13-3 win was Mike Holmgren’s final victory as Seattle’s head coach, and he got to do so in front of the 12th Man. As for the 2021 loss to the Bears, it was perhaps the final straw to break the proverbial camel’s back in the ongoing Russell Wilson drama at the time.

Wilson took an unnecessary 13-yard sack in the fourth quarter which led to a more difficult field goal attempt, resulting in a miss by kicker Jason Myers. Was it the play that ended the game? No, but with a 24-14 lead, an extra three points would’ve been crucial, especially since Seattle lost by one.

What is notable about this sack in particular is how Wilson and head coach Pete Carroll publicly differed about it afterwards. ESPN’s Brady Henderson detailed this in his write up about the divorce between Wilson and the Seahawks, and how some in the organization viewed the sack as an example of his decline as a player.

So the next time there is a rare snow day for the Seahawks at Lumen Field, keep your eyes open. Jack Frost just might be a harbinger for seismic changes in Seattle.

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Mike Holmgren says DK Metcalf’s maturity level needs to change

Former head coach Mike Holmgren thinks the Seahawks can get more out of him if he changed his maturity level.

DK Metcalf is the most talented player on the Seahawks’ roster. That much has been made clear by what he’s accomplished his first four seasons in the NFL.

Some people think Metcalf needs to grow up a bit, though. Former head coach Mike Holmgren thinks the Seahawks can get more out of him if he changed his maturity level. Here’s what Holmgren said on 933 KJR:

During the regular season Metcalf posted 90 catches, 1,048 yards and scored six touchdowns. However, he’s also gotten into a few tiffs with opponents, most recently Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Metcalf was lucky not to get flagged for that particular taunt, but he has drawn several penalties for similar incidents – including a personal foul for head-butting Ramsey back in December.

As for the team, it seems they’re willing to live with it. Coach Pete Carroll told reporters earlier this season that he wants Metcalf to be himself.

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Shaun Alexander to be inducted in Seahawks Ring of Honor

Alexander will officially be honored during Seattle’s home game against the Arizona Cardinals on October 16.

The Seattle Seahawks will be taking time to honor another one of their legendary players during the 2022 season. On Thursday it was announced that running back Shaun Alexander would become the newest member inducted to the Seahawks Ring of Honor.

Alexander will officially be honored during Seattle’s home game against the Arizona Cardinals on October 16.

Last season the Seahawks inducted Matt Hasselbeck and Mike Holmgren into the Ring of Honor. It is only fitting for Alexander to join his former quarterback and head coach a year later.

While the Pete Carroll/Legion of Boom era of the Seahawks brought the franchise to the championship mountaintop, it should not be forgotten how formidable the early-2000’s Seahawks were. Behind the legs of Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks won the NFC West four times and made five total trips to the playoffs.

Of course, the crowning achievement during Alexander’s tenure was capturing the League MVP award in 2005 for his sublime season. Alexander rushed for 1,880 yards and set a then-NFL record with 27 rushing touchdowns.

Alexander was only the second running back the Seahawks ever spent a first round draft selection on, and he rewarded the organization handsomely. During his tenure, ranging from 2000-2007, Alexander scored 100 career touchdowns. He joins Steve Largent as the only members of the organization to accomplish such a feat.

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Chiefs HC Andy Reid’s mentor Mike Holmgren named semifinalist for Hall of Fame

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid has long advocated for former #Packers HC Mike Holmgren’s enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The man who gave Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid his first job in the NFL is up for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Mike Holmgren spent 16 seasons as an NFL head coach spending time with both the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. Holmgren was recently named one of 29 coaching semifinalists for the Hall of Fame class of 2023. His path first crossed with Reid at BYU when he was a quarterbacks coach under LaVell Edwards. When Reid made the decision to end his playing career and get into coaching, it was Holmgren who helped him get his first job as the offensive line coach at San Francisco State.

In 1992, Holmgren’s first season in Green Bay, he hired Reid to coach the team’s tight ends. After coaching the tight ends for five seasons and helping Green Bay to a Super Bowl title (XXXI), Holmgren promoted Reid to coach the quarterbacks in 1997. Reid would coach Hall of Fame QB  Brett Favre for two seasons before he was hired as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, and the rest is history.

Reid has long been a proponent of Holmgren’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame, even pitching the selection committee on it during Favre’s induction back in 2016.

“They just need to get one more guy in, and that’s Mike Holmgren,” Reid said, via Chiefs.com. “Then they’ll have the whole Godhead of the Green Bay Packers there and set up in the Hall of Fame.”

Not only did Holmgren help kick off Reid’s professional coaching career, but he taught him everything he knows about being a head coach in the NFL.

“I felt this way when I worked for him, so I felt he was the best,” Reid said in October of 2020. “I didn’t think anybody could do it better than he did it. He just had control of everything and was smooth with the players, and at the same time, he could get on them, and likewise with all the people in the organization. So, I had a great teacher there and somebody that deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, obviously.”

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Poll: Better Hall of Fame candidate, Sterling Sharpe or Mike Holmgren?

Sterling Sharpe and Mike Holmgren are semifinalists in the “Seniors” and “Coaches/Contributors” categories for the 2023 Hall of Fame class. Which former Packer is the better nominee?

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 54 semifinalists in the “Seniors” and “Coaches/Contributors” categories for the 2023 Hall of Fame Class on Thursday. Among them are former Green Bay Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe and former Packers coach Mike Holmgren.

Sharpe, now a member of the “Seniors” category, was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. He led the NFL in receptions three times (1989, 1992, 1993), led the NFL in receiving touchdowns twice (1992, 1994) and led the NFL in receiving yards once (1992). In 1992, he completed the receiving triple crown by leading the NFL in all three categories. Sharpe’s career was cut short by a neck injury. Over seven seasons, he averaged 85 catches, 1,162 yards and 9.3 touchdowns per year.

From the PFHOF: “Sharpe made five Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro teams during his seven-year career with the Green Bay Packers. His 18 touchdown receptions in his final season is still good for third best all-time.”

Holmgren won two Super Bowls as an assistant coach before winning three NFC titles and a Super Bowl (XXXI) as a head coach. Overall, he won 174 games as a head coach, including 13 playoff games. Holmgren was the Packers’ coach from 1992-98 and led the team to back-to-back Super Bowls. He helped develop future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre and turn around the franchise overall. The Packers won 67 percent of games during Holmgren’s tenure. His teams captured eight total division crowns and made the playoffs 12 times.

By July 27, the committee will reduce the field to 12 “Seniors” and 12 “Coaches/Contributors.” Three finalists from “Seniors” and one “Coach/Contributor) will eventually be selected for final review.

Who is the better candidate for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Sharpe or Holmgren? Vote in our polls below!

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Watch iconic Seahawks games for free on NFL Game Pass

The NFL opened up Game Pass for free to fans, and there are tons of great Seattle Seahawks games and content available for fans to watch.

In case you missed it, the NFL has opened Game Pass for free to fans, allowing them to watch 10 years of regular season and playoff games, as well as other football related programming like Hard Knocks and A Football Life.

For Seattle Seahawks fans, this invites an opportunity to watch tons of memorable team content, including their two most recent Super Bowl appearances as well as many other classic games and moments.

Outside of the Super Bowl win, here are 10 pieces of programming available for free that Seahawks fans should check out while self-quarantining at home during the COVID-19 outbreak.

  1. January 18, 2015: NFC Championship win over Packers
  2. January 19, 2014: NFC Championship win over 49ers (The Tip)
  3. January 8, 2011: Seahawks win over Saints (BeastQuake)
  4. A Football Life Season 5 Episode 6: Steve Largent
  5. A Football Life Season 8 Episode 8: Mike Holmgren
  6. October 29, 2017: Seahawks 41-38 win over Texans
  7. December 23, 2018: Seahawks 38-31 win over Chiefs
  8. NFL 360 Episode 201: Shaquem Griffin
  9. November 13, 2016: Seahawks 31-24 win over Patriots
  10. November 29, 2015: Seahawks 39-30 win over Steelers

Fans can enjoy all the free NFL programming they want by going to NFL.com/GamePass. Have fun and stay safe!

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Will the Seattle Seahawks have a Hall of Famer in 2021?

Now that Steve Hutchinson and Edgerrin James are both in, who will be the next Seattle Seahawks player or coach to make the Hall of Fame?

On Saturday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the five modern-era enshrinees in the Class of 2020, and two former Seattle Seahawks — guard Steve Hutchinson and running back Edgerrin James — were among those selected.

Hutchinson becomes the fifth Seahawks draft pick to join the Hall, and he and James are the 11th and 12th players who suited up for the Seahawks to get inducted.

James and Hutchinson were the only two former Seahawks to appear on the 15-man final ballot for the modern-era committee, which makes it harder to predict who will be the team’s next representative in the Hall.

Seattle had six other representatives among the 122 nominees for the Class of 2020: quarterback Dave Krieg; center Ray Donaldson; punter Jeff Feagles; and running backs Shaun Alexander, Ricky Watters and Chris Warren.

However, only Watters advanced to the round of 25 semifinalists, and he was not among the 15 finalists.

Without any former Seahawks expected to join the ballot as newcomers next year, it looks like Watters is the team’s best chance at having a new modern-era Hall of Famer in 2021.

Of course, with Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson locks to get in on their first ballot and Calvin Johnson also up for consideration, it will be an extremely difficult year for Watters or any of the other former Seahawks to get enshrined.

That doesn’t mean they’ll be without a representative, however — both Mike Holmgren and Tom Flores, two former Seattle coaches, will be up for consideration again. It seems far more likely the Seahawks will have a former coach inducted in 2021 rather than a former player.

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Divisional round preview and prediction: Seahawks at Packers

Will the Seahawks finally shake their Lambeau Blues? Tune in Sunday as Seattle squares off against the Packers in the divisional round.

The Seattle Seahawks have advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season and will travel to Green Bay to face a particularly challenging foe in the Packers.

Lambeau Field has become a house of horrors for the Seahawks in the 21st Century, as Seattle has lost its last eight games on the frozen tundra. In fact, the last time the Seahawks managed to beat the Packers in Green Bay was November of 1999.

To give that some perspective, in 1999 Mike Holmgren was coaching his first year in Seattle, Matt Hasselbeck was still Brett Favre’s backup in Green Bay, and Russell Wilson was only 10 years old.

Since then the Seahawks have only known misery when traveling to Green Bay, not just in the regular season, but in the playoffs as well. Seattle was blown out 42-20 in the 2007 playoffs, and suffered one of the franchises’ most embarrassing moments during a 2003 wild-card game.

Tied at 27-27, the Seahawks won the coin toss in overtime. Then-quarterback Matt Hasselbeck proudly exclaimed “we want the ball and we’re gonna score.” The Packers then proceeded to pick off Hasselbeck on the first play of overtime and return it for a game-winning touchdown.

Fast forward to the Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll era, the poor luck has continued. In three career trips to Lambeau, Wilson has only led the Seahawks offense to 17, 10, and nine points, respectively. He also only has three touchdowns against six total interceptions, including a disastrous five-pick game in 2016. The last trip to Green Bay Wilson was unable to even find the end zone.

For whatever reason, the Packers always seem to have Wilson and Seattle’s number.

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