AJ Barner: "I'm Excited To Play My Brand Of Football"

Seahawks tight end AJ Barner met with the media ahead of the Seahawks' season opener, addressing the offense's limited preseason snaps together, his own return to full health, and the expanded, more versatile role Seattle's tight end room will play this year. He also discussed offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's play-calling, the growth of Elijah Arroyo, his spot on the team's leadership council under head coach Mike Macdonald, and his eagerness to move past the Super Bowl and get in front of the 12s.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald spoke to media ahead of the home opener against New England, saying the team is back in its normal midweek rhythm and focused on controlling what it can control. He addressed Offensive Coordinator Brian Fleury's first regular season game calling plays, the emotion of the home banner drop, and how the group has handled everything that follows a Super Bowl season. Macdonald also detailed game-planning limits with early-season tape, the safety competition, special teams continuity and standout rookies.

Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams met with the media ahead of Seattle's season opener at home, saying the defending champions are keeping football the main thing and preparing for the opponent like any other week rather than leaning on their Super Bowl meeting (0:14). He described a locker room that isn't patting itself on the back, starting again at the bottom of the mountain and taking it day by day (0:57), and explained how the championship parade and the birth of his son Zion helped him turn the page (2:21). Now in his 12th season, Williams also discussed the challenge of going back-to-back, the growth of Byron Murphy II, and the benefits of a third year in Head Coach Mike Macdonald's defense.

Seahawks cornerback Avery Smith met with the media to discuss the trade that brought him to Seattle, a move he said caught him off guard but left him excited to become a Seahawk. He talked about reuniting with former Toledo teammates in the secondary, his versatility across the back end, and his focus on learning the playbook. Smith also explained why Seattle's winning culture and aggressive defense make this the right opportunity for him.

Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. reflects on making the Seahawks' roster a year after being cut, crediting his faith, his father's early lessons in physical play, and the work he put in during a difficult year of substitute teaching and pursuing a real estate license. Speaking ahead of his first NFL game next Wednesday, he discusses his expected role across all four special teams units, what he's learning in a loaded receiver room, and the attention that has come with Hard Knocks.

Seahawks president of football operations/general manager John Schneider met with reporters as the Seahawks finalized their initial 53-man roster, thanking the personnel department, coaching staff and interns for their work establishing the club's "70" and previewing the waiver wire, initial practice squad and roster moves to come over the next two weeks. He detailed the strategy behind carrying six veterans on the practice squad, updated the health and availability of several players, and addressed cornerback depth. Schneider also discussed recent extensions for foundational players, the new ownership group's AI expertise, and the culture and leadership driving the team.

Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe met with the media following the preseason finale, in which he played a full game, and said decisiveness was his central point of emphasis in both the passing and running game (00:09). He discussed the deep completion to wide receiver Cody White out of his own end zone, the value of a full game's worth of reps, and how his first offseason and a rookie year as a backup built his confidence (00:42, 02:20, 02:59). Milroe also credited his receivers and tight ends for contested catches and thanked head coach Mike Macdonald and the coaching staff for the trust to play a full game (06:05).

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald meets with the media following Seattle's preseason finale, saying he wished the team had closed with a win but is confident in the body of work built through the offseason and camp heading into Week 1 (0:03). He reviews a sloppy, penalty-filled game he still liked for its effort and poise, praises quarterback Jalen Milroe's decision-making behind a patchwork offensive line, and says it's "viable" that cornerback Trevon Diggs plays in the opener (1:46, 2:10). Macdonald also explains his late-game strategy, points to the need to run the ball better and cut penalties, and provides updates on the starters' padded practice work and running back Emanuel Wilson's return.

Seahawks cornerback Trevon Diggs met with the media after making his first game appearance with the Seahawks in the preseason finale. He called the chance to suit up a blessing and a "no-brainer" decision, noting it was his first time in equipment in roughly seven months and only after a couple of practices. Diggs said he came away healthy, energized by his teammates' sideline celebration of his interception, and ready to take on whatever role the team needs heading into the regular season.

Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett met with the media to discuss a strong training camp and the areas where he has grown most heading into the season. He credits daily competition with teammates and coaches, deeper film study of NFL schemes, and a renewed offseason emphasis on tackling for his development. Pritchett also addressed the signing of cornerback Trevon Diggs, saying his approach stays the same regardless of who the team adds.

Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams met with the media to discuss his new contract extension with the Seahawks, calling the deal "amazing" and crediting the organization and head coach Mike Macdonald for making it happen (0:06). He described how Seattle's family-oriented culture, the city and the fan base have grounded him on and off the field, and said finishing his career here is an exciting prospect after playing the best football of his career and winning a Super Bowl with the team (0:35, 1:33). Williams also touched on his All-Pro recognition, his year-by-year approach to the future, and his growing leadership role with younger linemen (2:47, 3:22, 3:55).

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald met with the media ahead of the Seahawks' preseason finale, outlining how reps will be distributed and confirming Jalen Milroe will play the whole game with Drew Lock ready to go. He praised the contract extension for Leonard Williams, calling him a foundational, all-pro caliber player and A-plus person, and pointed to the value of locking up game-changers alongside Devon Witherspoon, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Byron Murphy II. Macdonald also updated the status of several injured players, credited his defensive staff and leadership council, and closed by reflecting on the mentor who shaped his value system.

Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed met with reporters to talk about what keeps him going in his 11th NFL season. Reed detailed the recovery routine that now takes at least an hour, described the veteran presence in the defensive line room, and said the team is more connected and more focused entering year three under head coach Mike Macdonald. He insisted nobody is talking about the Super Bowl, praised the culture and organization amid news of a new ownership stake, and raved about the daily good-on-good work against quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense's skill group.

Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp met with the media, discussing his return to the team he grew up rooting for, his work with the young wide receiver group, and the perspective he brings in his 10th NFL season. He praised new Offensive Passing Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks coach Jake Peetz, spoke about Head Coach Mike Macdonald's leadership style and open-door policy, and reflected on Jake Bobo's injury. Kupp closed by describing the collaborative "chess match" of finding an edge on tape as the reason he still loves playing.

NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the sale of the Seattle Seahawks to the Khosla family on August 26, 2026. Watch as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Vinod Khosla address the media.

Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II met with reporters, saying he's "in a great spot" and focused on stacking days with a week of practices and one preseason game remaining (0:10). He discussed the depth and versatility of Seattle's defensive line room (0:35), what it takes to increase his pass-rush production (1:54), and the differences between rushing from the three-technique and the nose (3:38). Murphy also credited veterans Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed and DeMarcus Lawrence for elevating his game (2:58) and reflected on his growing leadership role with younger players (4:33).

Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed met with the media to discuss how the Seahawks are maximizing practice reps while veterans sit out preseason games, his takeaways from the joint practice, and the state of the receiver room. He praised Offensive Coordinator Brian Fleury's aggressive, physical play-calling, addressed the hit he absorbed in joint practice, and expressed confidence in the group's depth behind himself, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. Shaheed also touched on the loss of Jake Bobo, Montorie Foster Jr.'s work ethic, and his growing deep-ball connection with Sam Darnold.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald spoke following a preseason loss, expressing optimism about the team's week-over-week improvement. The Seahawks were dealt two significant blows with long-term injuries to safety Bud Clark (broken ankle) and offensive lineman Mason Richman. Despite the setbacks, Macdonald highlighted strong performances from QB Drew Lock, RB Jacardia Wright and expressed confidence in the team's trajectory heading into the regular season.

Seahawks QB Drew Lock held his August 23 press conference addressing injuries to teammates, reflecting on his own on-field performance, and discussing the team's improved offensive operation. He spoke candidly about a key interception, praised the work of his offensive unit, and shared mentorship advice for fellow quarterback Jalen Milroe. The session covered topics ranging from player versatility to Head Coach Mike Macdonald's emphasis on operational discipline following the Dallas preseason game.

Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright discusses his memorable 69-yard touchdown run, explaining how he deviated from his A-gap assignment to find the end zone. He also reflects on returning from injury, praises a key receiver block that sprung the big play, and highlights QB Drew Lock's strong performance in the game.

Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole discussed the team's early-lead performance, the injury to safety Bud Clark, and improvements in the pass rush. O'Toole credited Head Coach Mike Macdonald's "12 is one" philosophy for the team's chemistry and highlighted the defensive coaching staff's game-planning as key to a stronger pass-rush effort.

Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo spoke with reporters following the preseason game, reflecting on his touchdown reception, his growth entering his second NFL season, and standout performances by teammates. Arroyo credited quarterback Drew Lock for a sharp throw on his score, praised Lock's consistency throughout the preseason, and highlighted running back Jacardia Wright's explosive touchdown run as a testament to the team's collective effort.

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold addressed reporters following a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans, discussing the value of facing a different defense in varied weather conditions. He covered WR Jake Bobo's serious knee injury, the versatility of the running backs as pass catchers, and the offense's evolving identity under Offensive Coordinator Brian Fleury. Darnold also reflected on how Head Coach Mike Macdonald is keeping the team focused on growth rather than resting on their Super Bowl championship.

Seahawks safety Ty Okada reflected on his pick-six, his development as a starter, and the competitive culture within the defensive back room. He credited Head Coach Mike Macdonald for a key defensive call and expressed support for injured wide receiver Jake Bobo. Okada also addressed a minor practice scuffle, emphasizing the team's focus on maximizing every rep.

Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV spoke to reporters following a joint practice session against the Tennessee Titans, reflecting on his defense's high standards and the value of competitive joint practices. Jones emphasized a perfection-driven mindset, team discipline, and praised safety Ty Okada's continued growth as a key defensive contributor.