Class Act

A statement by Shaun Alexander:

We received the news from the Seahawks’ front office today that I have been released. While it really isn’t a surprise, this news marks a major transition in my life. I started my NFL career in Seattle and hoped I could remain with the team through the rest of my days as a player. That said, things change.

I will be playing for another NFL team this fall, and doing everything I can to contribute. I am healthy, energized and looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my NFL career.

I want to thank the Seahawks and Coach Holmgren for all they have done for me and my family over the years. I have nothing but respect and affection for the Seahawks staff, my teammates and the organization. I wish them the best.

I especially want to thank the Seahawks fans. You made me feel proud every time I stepped on the field as a Seahawk. I look forward to hopefully returning to Qwest Field one day to play against the Seahawks, and the daunting task of facing the 12th Man —Seahawks fans are among the best.

Finally, Valerie and I want everyone to know that Seattle is home for us, and it will remain so no matter where I play next. We have made far too many wonderful friends to say goodbye. My family will remain in the Seattle area, and when my days in the NFL do eventually come to an end, I plan to retire here. Our hearts are woven into the fabric of this community, we are blessed to be part of it, and we enjoy contributing to it in every way we can.

Thank you, Seattle. You have become a part of me and you will forever remain in my heart.

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Good Luck in the future Shaun . . .

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Seattle:


Originally joining the Seahawks as the 19th selection overall in the 2000 NFL Draft, Alexander started 97 of 119 career games after becoming the regular starter during his second season. Helping Seattle win the last four NFC West division titles, he became the Seahawks career leader in rushing yards (9,429), attempts (2,176), total touchdowns (112), and 100-yard rushing games (37). He owns or shares at least 37 franchise single-game, single-season and career records. His 100 rushing touchdowns are tied with Marshall Faulk for seventh most in NFL history while his rushing yards rank 24th.

A three-time Pro Bowler (2003-05), in 2005 Alexander became the first Seahawks player to earn NFL MVP honors after breaking the NFL record for most touchdowns in one season (since broken by LaDainian Tomlinson – 31). Alexander’s 28 total touchdowns in 2005 eclipsed Priest Holmes’ 2003 mark of 27. That same season he also helped the Seahawks reach their first Super Bowl while winning the NFL’s rushing title with a franchise-record 1,880 yards and averaging a franchise-best 5.1 yards per carry.

Alexander became the first player in NFL history with 15 or more touchdowns five consecutive seasons (2001-05), one of just five players in NFL history to score 20 touchdowns in consecutive seasons (2004-05) and one of five players to rush for back-to-back 1,600-yard seasons (2004-05).

Alabama:


Alexander accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Alabama. Alexander wasted little time in showing his prowess on the football field at the collegiate level. As a freshman in 1996, he ran for 291 yards, an Alabama single-game rushing record, and four touchdowns against LSU in Tiger Stadium. After deciding against declaring for the NFL Draft after his junior year in 1998, Alexander returned to Tuscaloosa and had a banner season. He was initially given Heisman consideration, but a sprained ankle in a game against Tennessee ended his chances of that. Nevertheless, Alexander still played a key role in leading the Tide to the SEC Championship in 1999, with his game-winning 25-yard (23 m) touchdown run against the third-ranked Florida in Gainesville, and also his dominating fourth quarter performance against in-state foe Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Alexander still holds the Alabama rushing record with 3,565 yards in four seasons.