Good morning, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Wednesday, Sept. 9 - about your Seattle Seahawks
Earl Thomas: Just A Kid From Orange
We shared a short teaser of Earl Thomas' *From Somewhere* video for The Players' Tribune in yesterday's Round-Up, and today, we're back with the full seven-plus minute feature.
Thomas, who grew up in Orange, Texas, lets fans know how the small town helped mold him into the man he is today - a four-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro selection, and Super Bowl champion all by age 26. Thomas says all he knew growing up was hard work, mowing lawns and picking up trash in the summertime, playing drums, piano, and saxophone in between stints on the football field.
"Everything that Earl Thomas has gotten to this point, Earl Thomas has worked for," said Cornel Thompson, who coached Thomas at West Orange-Stark high school. "He hasn't been given anything."
The church Thomas attended - where his grandfather was a pastor - and the house Thomas grew up in were destroyed by Hurricane Rita, forcing Thomas and his family to move into a motel.
"We took a big hit," Thomas said. "We lost so many valuables, memories, pictures. Stuff that you can't get back."
Thomas said it was high school football that helped bring the town back together, lifting the weight of the hurricane off of everybody's shoulders.
"I think hope is a very powerful thing," Thomas said. "And I think that allowed me to get over everything that was going on at home."
The No. 12, which Thomas wore in high school, is retired at West Orange-Stark. When he returns to his hometown, Thomas says he has peace, feels free again, and continues to grow as a young man.
"Orange is who he is," said Thomas' fiancee, Nina Baham-Heisser. "It's his community. It's his family. It's the people that supported him from little league on."
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from newly-signed Seahawks running back Fred Jackson, who thanks the 12s for welcoming him to Seattle after nine years in Buffalo with the Bills.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle takes an in-depth look at what Tom Cable requires out of his offensive linemen.
I provide news and notes from around the rest of the NFC West as teams ready for Week 1 after finalizing 53-man rosters this past weekend.
The Seahawks offense will unveil a new fantasy football - and real life - weapon this weekend against the St. Louis Rams.
Kicker Steven Hauschka threw the ceremonial first pitch for the Seattle Mariners last night.
Here's 12 things you (probably) don't know about Seahawks starting right tackle Garry Gilliam.
Jayson Jenks at the Seattle Times says despite defensive end Michael Bennett's entertaining personality, he's all business on the football field. Jenks also highlights five Seahawks under age 25 who need to produce this season.
Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times says the Seahawks' roster is built for long-term success. Condotta also has a position-by-position preview of the team's 2015 roster.
Jerry Brewer at the Washington Post says the Seahawks are more vulnerable - and dangerous - than at any point in their rise to prominence.
And Tim Graham at The Buffalo News rehashes what it's been like for Fred Jackson since his release from the Bills.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter *
