Seahawks prep for Football Fest

We’re a little more than a week away from the Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

Thursday, the team had to take practice inside because of the smoke. Saturday, they will pack Lumen Field for the “Seahawks’ Football Fest”.

The event is an evening of football, family, and fun. Featuring meet-and-greets, photo-ops with franchise legends, a live DJ, and team mascots.

And, of course, the players.

Rashid Shaheed is going through his first training camp with the Hawks after joining the team midseason last year.

“I’m excited to see the energy of the fans,” said the wide receiver. “It’s going to be good to get back on home turf. And it’s going to be a ton of good energy. We’re all excited.”

Tickets are still available, and they’re about $17 each. A family-friendly way to enjoy the Seahawks up close before the season kicks off.

Gates open around 4:15 pm, and practice starts at 5:20 pm.

Plus, there’ll be an autographed football toss around 7:20 pm.

However, while some of the younger players couldn’t wait to get back in front of the 12’s, one veteran admitted he was contemplating retirement this past offseason.

Linebacker Demarcus Lawrence said last year if the Hawks won it all, he’d hang up his cleats.

But, after a Super Bowl ring, as well as a discussion with his wife, he’s said he’s back for a 13th season. Eager to defend the championship he’d been chasing his whole career.

“With the type of team that we have…we should’ve been where we were last year,” the veteran Linebacker calmly asserts.

“This is where the hard part begins, staying on top.”

Lawrence admits winning the Lombardi Trophy was bittersweet. He says he couldn’t walk away. He compared the situation to going from being the hunter chasing a goal to the hunted defending a title.

“They say it’s no fun when the rabbit has the gun,” Lawrence smirked.

“We’re the ones with the dot on our back. So, I just want to see how that feels.”

After spending his entire career with Dallas, Lawrence joined the Seahawks last offseason. He says the brotherhood on defense, especially with so many journeymen, is genuine.

“It’s just great to have those caliber of leaders in the locker room with you. Like-minded guys.”

That culture is on full display this year, thanks in part to HBO’s Hard Knocks.

The training camp docuseries debuted earlier this week. And, Shaheed said everyone’s hoping for a starring role.

“A ton of laughs, a ton of jokes. It’s kind of cool to see how HBO portrays our team on TV,” Shaheed said.

He says it’s been a great insight into the mindset inside the building. A look at how the team competes against each other and how the franchise operates from top to bottom.

“I’m excited to continue to watch,” says Shaheed.