The Seattle Seahawks' debut on HBO's Hard Knocks aired on Tuesday night, giving the rest of the world an intimate look into the reigning Super Bowl LX champions. It was quite a show, and a perfect reminder that football is inching its way back.
For the first time since 2001, the current champs have appeared on Hard Knocks. It was a historic episode that showcased the way Seattle conducts business, a better understanding of some of the unique personalities of the team, and how strong a leader head coach Mike Macdonald is.
Here at Seahawks Wire, we have compiled a list of some of the top takeaways from Seattle's first episode.
No. 1 - The Devon Witherspoon contract negotiations appear to be tricky
The last major piece of the offseason puzzle for the Seahawks relates to finding a way to extend cornerback Devon Witherspoon
to a massive extension. There are those, like Albert Breer, who believe Witherspoon's new contract will reset the cornerback market. If that is the case, it appears it's still a ways off. We haven't heard much on this front, but in Hard Knocks episode one, we heard general manager John Schneider discuss the situation candidly. He mentioned how Witherspoon became "Wigged out" by a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, which is something we at Seahawks Wire covered. Schneider said he had to tell Rapoport to let Witherspoon's agent know that wasn't coming from the Seahawks' side of things.
As for Witherspoon, he spoke on Hard Knocks about his desire to be paid. Witherspoon has been withheld from speaking to the media after practice, and episode one was the first we heard from him. He expressed his desire to be paid, but also mentioned his focus is on the football side of things and trying to win games. To Witherspoon's credit, he has been participating at practice.
No. 2 - Jadarian Price is going to be a force
If there's anything that really popped off the screen from episode one, it was the blistering speed of first round rookie running back Jadarian Price. Selected with the No. 32 overall pick from the 2026 NFL draft to replace Kenneth Walker, it appears Seattle is going to get a great return on investment. Head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde were marveling at his speed, even comparing him to a wide receiver with the way no defender could cover him. Even defensive tackle Byron Murphy II was caught on camera talking about how he couldn't catch price. Seattle will almost assuredly be splitting carries among their backs, but I wouldn't be surprised if Price quickly emerges as a top option.
No. 3 - So far Mike Macdonald is the star of the show
The "MVP" of episode one had to be Seattle's top man: head coach Mike Macdonald. Seeing the way he carries himself was a sight to behold. The man can command a room, and yet be as approachable as ever. He can bark and domineer a practice, yet turn individual interactions into genuine teaching moments, like the way he encouraged an injured Nick Emmanwori. Perhaps my favorite part of episode one was how he handled a testy situation between linebacker Derick Hall and fullback Brady Russell. Macdonald was expressing displeasure in how Hall acted in a practice to Aden Durde. However, Durde mentioned that Brady Russell made a comment to Hall regarding his new extension that Hall took offense to. Macdonald pulled Russell aside, and instead of flying off the handle, he spoke to him as if it was a dad disappointed in one of his kids. The reaction from Russell clearly showed that Macdonald's words cut right to the core, and he and Hall were able to mend fences. Seattle has a legitimate star as head coach and the 12th Man is beyond lucky to call him their own.
No. 4 - Cooper Kupp is a coach in pads
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp brings more to the table than just his production on the field. At a first glance of his stats from 2025, some may think his 47 receptions, 593 yards and two touchdowns were an indicator of decline. First, I would argue that had more to do with both Jaxon Smith-Njigba going off the way he did, and by nature of Seattle's conservative offensive philosophy. Second, I would also say what Kupp offers the Seahawks is more than just catching passes. Kupp was involved in the quarterback meetings and was given the task of instructing his fellow receivers, such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He was even seen having one-on-one time with Mike Macdonald, offering perspectives Macdonald hadn't considered. Kupp has long been praised for his leadership and high football IQ, and Hard Knocks made sure to emphasize that.
Oh, and turns out he we was a guest at Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's wedding... something he revealed to the world.
No. 5 - Other tidbits I found entertaining
Not everything in Hard Knocks was incredibly revelatory, but that doesn't mean the episode didn't have plenty of great moments. I've compiled a few that I enjoyed quite a bit.
- Cooper Kupp revealed to the world he was a guest at Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's wedding, and mentioned he thought the invitation was a fake when he received it.
- Mike Macdonald giving a history lesson on the 1990's Chicago Bulls and how Phil Jackson transformed the team into an unstoppable juggernaut was something I could have listened to for hours.
- Speaking of the NBA, Sam Darnold discussing LeBron James going to the 76ers was entertaining, and definitely fitting. Turns out Darnold doesn't have an issue with a player seeking the best championship opportunity in free agency!
- Derick Hall's lifted truck was a sweet ride, and listening to DeMarcus Lawrence roast him for his short practice shorts was hysterical.
- The funniest moment was right at the beginning when Sam Darnold immediately dropped his Super Bowl ring in front of the HBO cameras then immediately looked right into them.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks top takeaways from the first episode of Hard Knocks
