Good afternoon, 12s.

Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Wednesday, March 30 - about your Seattle Seahawks: 

Russell Okung: "Seattle Is My Home And Always Will Be"

Left tackle Russell Okung, the very first draft pick of the Pete Carroll and John Schneider era who signed with the Denver Broncos in free agency this offseason after six years with the Seahawks, looks back on his Seattle career and thanks 12s for their support in a farewell piece posted by the Seattle Times. 

Okung, who launched his GREATER foundation last month to help bring tech opportunities into underpriveleged areas of Seattle, says "distance will not keep me from the communities I invest in" and that "Seattle is my home and will always be."

Below, check out a short excerpt from Okung's entry, which you can read in full right here. 

I'll never forget the first regular-season game at what was then called Qwest Field. Walking into the locker room, all I wanted was to prove I deserved to be a professional in the NFL, that John and Pete made the right decision. The feeling was exhilarating.

Seated across the locker room were fellow rookies Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. As I looked into their eyes, I saw the same thing. They were young and hungry. A spirited speech from Red Bryant got the the team ready. Red spoke of opportunity, and what a blessing it was to have the privilege of playing in the National Football League. He reminded us that many men were before us, but few would taste this pleasure. I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

We broke our team huddle and headed into the tunnel. The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" alerted the 12s to our arrival. It was pandemonium. There was an overwhelming roar from the crowd for their home team — I felt so much love. They were behind us.

As we stood in the tunnel, knowing kickoff was near, I could feel my heart pounding. Lofa Tatupu hit me in the chest, yelling that it was our time. I felt unstoppable. Wewere unstoppable. My ears were ringing. The fire to win grew in my belly. Nerves made my legs shake uncontrollably.

I heard my name: "Your first-round pick out of Oklahoma State, Russell Okung!" The moment couldn't come soon enough. I ran out to my teammates. That day, we were all we had, all we needed.

The moment I stepped out on that field, I knew Seattle truly was special and I knew I wanted the Seahawks to be special. In the coming years, we would be. The staff put an amazing football team together — a group of misfits and talented players. We were tenacious, resilient and always hopeful. We would be champions one day. Super Bowl champions.

Tweet Of The Day

Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from the NFL, as the League wishes Richard Sherman a happy 28th birthday. We'll have our own birthday tribute to the Seahawks cornerback posted later today on Seahawks.com, but in the meantime, enjoy this gallery of childhood photos of Sherman courtesy of SI.com. 

More From Around The Web

Here at Seahawks.com, we offer a round-by-round breakdown of the team's nine total selections in this year's NFL Draft, set for April 28-30 in Chicago.

Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times looks at the history of players the Seahawks have drafted at the spots the team will pick in this year's draft.

Sheil Kapadia at ESPN.com reviews how cornerback Jeremy Lane's re-signing solidifies the Seahawks' 'Legion of Boom' secondary.

At 710Sports.com, Eric Mandel recaps comments from radio host Brock Huard on Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson's playing weight. 

Adam Lewis at SeattlePI.com evaluates the Seahawks' replacements for key players lost in free agency.

And Gregg Rosenthal at NFL.com ranks the NFC West as the NFL's second-best division heading into 2016.