The theme of the Seahawks offseason program has been "connection."
"Going into the whole offseason program, we wanted to be tough and connected," head coach Mike Macdonald said. "I think we're on our way to being tough. We haven't had to prove it yet with pads on, but definitely feel like we're a connected group."
Those connections are built on the field when players are lining up next to their teammates, but also off the field in meeting rooms where conversations can become more personal. While what happens in those meeting rooms usually stays between those players and coaches, Leonard Williams said the connection has been stronger because of something the defensive coaches have started implementing that has nothing to do with X's and O's.
"I think something that's been cool and a part of the connection that's been helping us grow that connection throughout OTAs is in the defensive room coaches have been having some of the guys go up to the front of the room and pretty much talk about their "why," why they like playing football, why they like showing up every day. They put up some pictures of their family, a picture of them when they were young, and just talk about what's their driving force."
For Williams, the humanizing aspect of players sharing their stories has helped the chemistry between them.
"I think it helps a lot because you get to hear from some guys that you might not always hear from, and then you get to hear someone's why. There are times where obviously going through camp that's going to be hard. Everyone has tough days, hard days. If I see somebody having a hard or tough day, I understand that guy a little deeper now on a human level, and I can talk to him and let him know, hey, I know his why now, and I know how to push him a little better now."
Williams said his "why" gave him stability.
"I haven't been able to talk to the defense about my why yet, but for me I think just football gave me everything I have in life. I grew up homeless at times. I grew up living in and out of hotels, motels, and kind of unstable lifestyle as a young kid. When I found football in high school, it gave me stability, it gave me good male role models in my life, and it just gave me something to kind of distract myself from everything going on at home. For me after that, just learning from coaches, good male role models in my life, I just fell in love with it, fell in love with the camaraderie, the family aspect of my teammates and stuff like that. I'm sure every single person at this point, it never was about the money. The money ends up coming with it obviously, but for every single person that talks about their why, it's because they had some type of lifestyle like that growing up and then it brought them to this point."
And it was also in high school that Williams figured out what being a leader meant and how to be a leader to his teammates, even then in high school, and then back in college at USC and now into his professional career.
"I just started playing football [in high school], and I didn't understand how to be a leader necessarily. I didn't understand what that role meant and how to be a leader, but you know, every year I was voted as a leader. Every year I was voted as a captain since high school, college, NFL years."
Macdonald said when he and his coaching staff met Williams, they knew that what they needed from him was that leadership capability.
"Man, he's one of our driving forces," Macdonald said. "You have to give him a lot of credit on his approach since we met him a year ago. We knew he was an awesome guy. We knew he was a great football player, but what we needed from him was more in terms of a leadership role and asserting himself and his style. At this point in your career to challenge yourself to take it to another level, I think that speaks volumes for who he is. A lot of coaches deserve a shout-out too because they saw it in him and worked with him consistently. Leslie (Frazier) does a great job with that, A.D. (Aden Durde). Obviously we love him, but there's high expectations too. He's got to win rushes. He has to be disruptive in the run game. He has to set other guys up, and they're giving him attention in the blocking and in their protection scheme. That's what you want as a premiere player. You want that added attention."
And going into Year 11, Williams has embraced that leadership role sharing his wealth of knowledge with his teammates about that connectedness, that he knows is going to help them.
"I've played a lot of football, been on a lot of teams. Not only am I seeing that we have a very talented team right now, but one thing that stands out above the talent is just the connection. That's something that I've been trying to talk to the guys that's really going to take us to that next level where we want to go because I've told them I've been on tons of talented teams that, you know, we have great players in all positions, but we just didn't have that same connection. You know, we had a ten-win season but didn't go to the playoffs and stuff like that. I'm telling them how those small things, like having connection and being able to communicate on and off the field, kind of helps you get to that next level."
The Seahawks concluded their two-day mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman with cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and defensive assistant Neiko Thorpe on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Zy Alexander (17)participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (93) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) and safety AJ Finley (30) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) and running back Jacardia Wright (31) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) and safety AJ Finley (30) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle J.R. Singleton (70) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21), cornerback Josh Jobe (29), cornerback Riq Woolen (27), safety Coby Bryant (8) and safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21), cornerback Josh Jobe (29), cornerback Riq Woolen (27), safety Coby Bryant (8) and safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (35) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Steven Sims (84) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Seth Coleman (43) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Steven Sims (84) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman with president of football operations/general manager John Schneider on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) and safety Coby Bryant (8) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Marshall Lang (49) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14), quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) and quarterback Drew Lock (2) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29), cornerback Damarion Williams (37) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman with cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and defensive assistant Neiko Thorpe on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman with president of football operations/general manager John Schneider on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) participated in a workout on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman with cornerback Riq Woolen (27) on day two of minicamp on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
