The Seattle Seahawks have emerged as one of the league's premier franchises this decade, but the team has a rich history that often goes unnoticed. These eight players have played a major part in building that success, and that's why they're the best in franchise history:
8 ) CB Richard Sherman
Sherman is the vocal leader of the new generation Seahawks, but that doesn't take away from what he's done on the field. He leads the league in interceptions since he was drafted in 2011, which is even more amazing considering he's been thrown at fewer times than anyone else over the past two seasons.
7) RB Marshawn Lynch
Lynch is the offensive leader of the new generation Seahawks, and he already has cemented his place as a Seattle folk hero. He's a four-time Pro Bowler and has rushed for 6,745 yards and 87 touchdowns (and counting), but he'll be best remembered for his "Beast Mode" runs.
6) SS Earl Thomas
While Sherman shuts opponents down on the outside, Thomas makes plays all over the field. His ability to have a major impact against both the run and the pass have made him a three-time All-Pro - a number that will keep increasing if he stays healthy.
5) DT Cortez Kennedy
Kennedy's 11-year career (all with the Seahawks) resulted in eight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections. He was arguably the most dominant defensive tackle in the league, and his 14 sacks in 1994 helped him win Defensive Player of the Year. Kennedy was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
4) S Kenny Easley
Easley played just seven seasons in Seattle, but made the Pro Bowl five times and was a three-time All-Pro, winning defensive player of the year in 1984.
3) OG Steve Hutchinson
Hutchinson played the first five years of his career with Seattle and was absolutely dominant from the guard position. He was a big reason why the Seahawks had the league's best rushing attack in the mid-2000's - and why it fell apart when he left for Minnesota.
2) WR Steve Largent
Largent is one of the greatest NFL receivers of all-time, racking up 819 catches for 13,089 yards and 100 touchdowns, all of which were league records when he retired in 1989. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.
1) OT Walter Jones
Jones played all 12 seasons of his career with the Seahawks, and made nine Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. He was a big part of Seattle's five straight playoff berths from 2003-2007 and has since been enshrined into the Hall of Fame.
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