RENTON, Wash. — Tyler Lockett and Nick Bellore have both been in the NFL for a long time, and on Monday they were recognized by their teammates with an honor given to a team’s most respected and trusted voice.
Team captain.
For both of them, along with fellow captains Quandre Diggs and Al Woods, the recognition was a huge honor, and one that they (for the most part) don’t take lightly.
Lockett steps into the role vacated when Russell Wilson, who was the team’s offensive captain for the past nine years, was traded to the Denver Broncos in the offseason.
Although this is his first time as captain at the pro level, Lockett has already been voted into the position by his Kansas State college teammates. Lockett’s seven full seasons in the NFL were among the most productive in Seahawks history, with his 6,067 career receiving yards ranking fifth in the team’s all-time rankings.
“I think that says a lot about how my teammates feel about me,” Lockett said. “I feel like I don’t have to do anything different, I just have to keep being myself and do what has always kept me here and what got me here. Most importantly, is that it allows me to feel good about myself, to understand what I bring to the table, to understand how my peers and coaches, and everyone around me, see me.
Honor doesn’t mean the usually soft-spoken Lockett has to be more vocal than usual.
“It’s just about learning how to talk to people,” Lockett said. “You can’t talk to everyone the same way, you have to learn how some of them you can be tough on them, some of them you have to be able to push your way through the conversation. But at the end of the day, you have the same goal.Also try to be able to help them be at their best.
In Bellore’s case, it’s the second straight year he’s been named special teams captain. Bellore was named captain last season after being selected for the Pro Bowl in 2020.
Bellore is entering his 12th season in the NFL, having played with the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions before signing with the Seahawks in 2019.
He’s taken a light-hearted approach to his captaincy, joking that the best part of the role is having leverage over young players to run errands for him or bring him snacks at the training center .
“It was great,” Bellore said of his appointment as captain. “I think it’s more a testament to the young guys sorting our ages in descending order and they picked Al (Woods) and me first. But no, it’s good that they consider us leaders, and you know, it’s an honor to be captain in this team.
Russell Wilson named Broncos team captain
Wilson’s days as Seahawks team captain are over, but he quickly resumed his role with his new team.
On Tuesday, the Broncos announced that Wilson had been named one of five Denver captains.
“I think you always want the quarterback to be one of those guys you’re looking for,” Denver head coach Nathaniel Hackett said. “They are the ones who really roll with the whole attack and the way the team plays. I’m very happy that (Wilson) was elected captain. Ultimately, it comes down to who the players believe in.
The Broncos and Seahawks will see each other soon as the two teams are set to face off this Monday night on ESPN, with Wilson making his debut for the Broncos at Lumen Field.
Remarks
- Cornerback Artie Burns was not in the pads for Tuesday’s practice. Burns aggravated a groin injury again in the preseason game against Dallas on August 26 and has not practiced since.
- Offensive lineman Jake Curhan was also not in the pads on Tuesday after suffering an elbow injury in the game against Dallas.
- Kenneth Walker III was on the court on Tuesday but not in the pads. He has been out since undergoing hernia surgery last month.
- Cornerback Sidney Jones (concussion) wore pads and participated in drills on Tuesday, although he still wore a goalie cap over his helmet.
