Shaun Alexander released by Seahawks

[2112]

By Danny O'Neil

Seattle Times staff reporter


KIRKLAND — Running back Shaun Alexander has been released by the Seahawks, the team announced this afternoon.

Alexander came to Seattle as a first-round pick in 2000 and in eight seasons became Seattle's leading rusher. He signed a $63 million contract with the team in 2006 after being named the NFL's most valuable player for the 2005 season. It was an eight-year contract, but Alexander was released after the first two years of the contract.

"This is one of the toughest decisions I'll ever have to make and be part of with an organization," Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said. "By the same token, you have to be able to make these tough decisions and we wanted to change the dynamic of the running game, top to bottom."

The Seahawks did that with the additions of free agents Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett and offensive-line coach Mike Solari.

Alexander, 30, said in a statement he would play for another NFL team next season.

"I am healthy, energized and looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my NFL career," Alexander said.

Alexander underwent a physical examination this week. He was recovering from offseason surgery to repair a crack in his wrist. He has been cleared to resume playing football.

Alexander said he had hoped to finish his career with the Seahawks. "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," Alexander said.

Alexander, the only Seahawk to win a league MVP award, went on to thank the Seahawks, coach Mike Holmgren and the team's fans in his statement.

The team had told Alexander at the end of last season it would possibly look at running backs in the free-agent market. Once the Seahawks signed Duckett and Jones in free agency, many expected Alexander would be released.

Alexander ran for 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns, both league highs, in 2005. Alexander led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 21-10.

His production has dropped the past two seasons, as he has battled injuries. In 2006, he was limited to 10 games, and finished with 896 yards, an average of 3.6 yards per carry and seven rushing touchdowns. Last year, the numbers were similar — 13 games, 716 rushing yards, 3.5 average, four touchdowns.

In eight NFL seasons, all with the Seahawks, Alexander has rushed for 9,429 yards, which ranks 25th all-time. He has 100 rushing touchdowns (seventh-best all-time) and another 12 TDs receiving. His total of 112 touchdowns is 14th best in NFL history.

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[Sure-Oz]

Scroll down son

[2112]

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

Scroll down son

you ****ers never use the header in the article, ever. that's why there are eleventy billion reposts here.

[2112]

Originally Posted by Dimension2112

you ****ers never use the header in the article, ever. that's why there are eleventy billion reposts here.

Nevermind

[T-post Tom]

Sign him. Good backup and fewer carries for LJ. Just don't overpay.

[Joe Seahawk]

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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He's a classy guy, good luck to him..

[SBK]

Originally Posted by Joe Seahawk

He's a classy guy, good luck to him..

Unless he goes to Denver. Then he's scum until he retires.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by Joe Seahawk

He's a classy guy, good luck to him..

I was upset when the Hawks drafted him one pick ahead of us. He's gotten a bum wrap on being soft, and not fighting for yards. You don't get 100 rushing TD's in this league and 9400 yards and some change without being tough. He is a class act, and a stud on the football field. I'll look forward to being in Quest the day he's inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor.

[BIG K]

Originally Posted by Mr Flopnuts

I was upset when the Hawks drafted him one pick ahead of us. .

I too remember being soo pissed off at the Seachickens for that pick. I cannot remember who was their RB at the time, but he was good. It was like they picked Alexander just so we would not get him!

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by BIG K

I too remember being soo pissed off at the Seachickens for that pick. I cannot remember who was their RB at the time, but he was good. It was like they picked Alexander just so we would not get him!

They had Ricky Watters who just came off something like 1300 yards. I thought they did it just to **** us at the time.

[BIG K]

Originally Posted by Mr Flopnuts

They had Ricky Watters who just came off something like 1300 yards. I thought they did it just to **** us at the time.

Exactly!

rep

[BWillie]

Wow, talk about a cap hit the Seahawks are going to have from this one. But yet again another prime example of why running backs don't matter in the NFL.