The Seahawks won Super Bowl LX in dominant fashion less than four months ago, and only lost a handful of players in free agency, only two of whom started the Super Bowl. So with that level of continuity following a championship season, it would be easy for the Seahawks to use a phrase like, "run it back," right?
Not if you're Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald, who throughout his first two seasons in Seattle has preached the importance of process over results. It was the day-to-day process that helped the Seahawks become champions last season, and if the Seahawks are going to again have a successful 2026 campaign, they know they have to be looking ahead, not back, no matter how impressive that view in the rearview mirror might be.
"We're using the term, we want to run it forward, 'it' meaning our process and who we are," Macdonald said after the first day of voluntary organized team activities. "I think this is going to be a conversation that we're going to talk about consistently. I don't think it's a one-and-done type of conversation. Really, it's just how we talk about, how we operate all the time. It's something that we're having conversations with our team and our units every day about who we want to be and how we want to do things, and this situation is no different. It's really nothing more or less than that.
Asked who came up with the idea of using the phrase, "run it forward," Macdonald smiled and said, "If you like it, I'll take credit for it. If not, somebody else."
Running it forward doesn't mean starting from scratch, not when such a strong foundation has been built, but rather of knowing there is always room to grow and evolve.
"I've thought a lot about that, and I think when you look at some of these high-performing teams that have been able to do it over a long period of time, I think the common thread that you find is a standard that you feel responsible to uphold on a daily basis, and part of that standard here is chasing –it's a spirit of evolution and a spirit of moving forward all the time," Macdonald said. "That's where our minds are. But giving us the freedom to move forward and have the space to kind of make each kind of new phase of the year our own and unique to us. There's a balance there, but again, I've just been really pleased with every day's work, and haven't sensed an ounce of complacency, and that's been really positive."
Additionally, a "run it forward" approach doesn't mean ignoring what last year's team accomplished. There is, after all, a giant banner celebrating the Super Bowl LX win hanging in the team's indoor practice facility, as well as a new Lombardi Trophy in the trophy case, and, of course, there is the matter of rings to be handed out later this offseason. No one is going to forget what the team accomplished last season, but the point is that the 2026 team can't rely on the success of last year's team to carry over without having the right focus this offseason and beyond.
"We don't avoid it," Macdonald said. "But it's not really the top of mind. There's necessary times to talk about it, like the ring ceremony. We'll be partying that night and having a great time and celebrating that team and those people. But it's not really in our focus right now. The way I phrase it to the team is, it's something that could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—hopefully it's more than once in a lifetime for our team—but that's a thing that happened that we can cherish and we should be proud of because of the amount of work that it took and all the things that go into winning a Super Bowl. We should be really proud of that. But I think the thing that we find the joy in is what we've created and the way of life, what we're trying to do here on a daily basis. If you think about last year's team, I think you guys would agree, the cool part about last year's team was the team and the process and the shadow boxing and all the stuff that goes with trying to become a great team every day. Kind of put it in two different boxes where they don't have to be enemies of one another."
And as third-year defensive tackle Byron Murphy II explained, players are buying into Macdonald's "run it forward" messaging.
"We accomplished a lot last season, but that's behind us now," Murphy said. "So we've got to start back from the bottom, work our way back up to the top to get back to another Super Bowl. We've got to start from scratch. We should ask ourselves, 'What are the things we can improve on?'''
Murphy acknowledged that shifting that mentality from celebrating a championship to preparing for a new season isn't the easiest thing, but it's a challenge the Seahawks are embracing.
"It's very challenging," he said. "When you win the Super Bowl, you feel like you're on top of the world. It is a bit challenging, but we've just got to keep reminding ourselves, 'What did we do to get there, to get to that point, and how can we do it again, if not better?'"
The Seahawks held their first practice of OTAs on Tuesday, May 26 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Andre Fuller (35) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Michael Dansby (37) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Julian Neal (1) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (17) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph (35) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle J.R. Singleton (70) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Bryce Cabeldue (77) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (84) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Levi Wentz (83) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (33) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Federico Maranges (62) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks senior offensive assistant/offensive line coach John Benton on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (17) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Amari Kight (79) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Julian Neal (1) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (33) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (84) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rodney Thomas II (24) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (32) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Andre Fuller (35) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) and safety Ty Okada (39) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (17) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (49) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) and running back Kenny McIntosh (25) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ja'Markis Weston (46) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (17) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Beau Stephens (60) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle J.R. Singleton (70) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Bubba Thomas (69) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Bubba Thomas (69) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Uso Seumalo (92) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle J.R. Singleton (70) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) and fullback Brady Russell (38) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (32), safety Ty Okada (39) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Julian Neal (1) and wide receiver Rashad Rochelle (85) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Julian Neal (1) and wide receiver Rashad Rochelle (85) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Marvin Jones Jr. (59) and linebacker Aidan Hubbard (93) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day one of OTAs on May 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
