The Sound has taken a close look at Smith’s historic 2022 campaign, his first season as a starter since 2014, and one that led to him and the Seahawks agreeing to a contract extension this week. Episode 10 gives us a casual look at the always humble quarterback as he takes in the celebrations of Pro Bowl week.
A year ago, safety Quandre Diggs broke his fibula in the final game of the 2021 season. Episode 10 gives us a look at the Texas alum as he enjoys his third straight Pro Bowl, but first as a participant in the celebrations (there was no Pro Bowl after the 2020 season due to COVID-19). From shopping with his daughter for bath bombs at H&M to buying sneakers on the Las Vegas Strip, Episode 10 is another reminder that our favorite stars are people. Diggs reflected on his speedy recovery and the blessing of being selected to another Pro Bowl.
“It’s cute,” Diggs said. “To be able to return to the Pro Bowl for the third year in a row, but also to get away from where I came from. I only watched videos last night that I couldn’t edit until June 5th. So for me it’s very special.”
Rookie cornerer Tariq Woolen capped a freshman year for the history books when his six interceptions set a Seahawks franchise record for rookies in a single season. Episode 10 shows the humility of the University of Texas-San Antonio graduate.
“When I was chosen,” Woolen said. “I looked at the roster and was like, ‘Damn, I’m going to be on a team with Trevon Diggs, Jaire (Alexander) and Darius Slay. Those cornerbacks right there, it just says it all for itself. Those guys, the way they play and the way they play, who wouldn’t want to be around guys like that?”
The episode ends with another record-breaking rookie, running back Kenneth Walker III. Joining Curt Warner as the second Seahawks rookie in team history to rush for 1,000 yards was no easy feat. In just 15 games, Walker had 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns on 228 carries, both NFL highs among rookies. The Michigan State graduate reflects on the year and his future in episode 10 while speaking with Seahawks reporter Jen Mueller.
“I would say it was a journey,” Walker said. “I think it was a journey because I had to be patient with certain things. Just a great experience and a blessing to be with the guys who made it a lot easier for me and the other rookies to come out here and perform.”
With so much to build on, optimism runs high for Seattle’s offseason. Watch the final episode of The Sound for the 2022 season here.
