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Seahawks Qb History

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April 11, 2026 • 6 min Read

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SEAHAWKS QB HISTORY: Everything You Need to Know

Seahawks QB History is a rich and storied tale that spans over four decades, featuring some of the most iconic and talented quarterbacks in NFL history. From the early days of Jim Zorn and Steve Raible to the modern era of Russell Wilson and Geno Smith, the Seahawks have had their fair share of signal-callers who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of Seahawks QB history, highlighting the key players, their achievements, and the lessons that can be learned from their experiences.

Early Days: Jim Zorn and Steve Raible

The Seahawks' QB history began in 1976, when the team was still an expansion franchise. Jim Zorn, a charismatic quarterback with a strong arm, was the team's first-ever draft pick. Despite his promising start, Zorn's career with the Seahawks was marked by inconsistency and injuries. He played for the team from 1976 to 1984, leading the team to a single playoff appearance in 1983. Steve Raible, a journeyman quarterback, joined the Seahawks in 1984 and played for the team until 1987. Raible's tenure was marked by his ability to lead the team to several come-from-behind victories, earning him the respect of his teammates and coaches.

The Emergence of Dave Krieg

Dave Krieg, a talented quarterback with a penchant for making plays with his feet, joined the Seahawks in 1980 and played for the team until 1990. Krieg's arrival marked a turning point in Seahawks QB history, as he brought a level of stability and consistency to the position that the team had lacked previously. Under Krieg's leadership, the Seahawks made the playoffs twice, including a trip to the NFC Championship game in 1983. Krieg's time with the Seahawks was also marked by his ability to adapt to the team's system and make adjustments on the fly. His leadership skills and clutch performances earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches, and he remains one of the most beloved players in Seahawks history.

The Steve Young Era

In 1985, the Seahawks traded for Steve Young, a talented quarterback who had been drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1985. Young's time with the Seahawks was brief, but it was marked by his incredible talent and work ethic. Despite playing in only 23 games for the team, Young established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in 1986. Young's time with the Seahawks was also marked by his ability to make plays with his legs, earning him the nickname "The Flying Elvi." His dynamic playmaking ability and leadership skills made him a fan favorite, and he remains one of the most iconic players in Seahawks history.

Modern Era: Matt Hasselbeck and Russell Wilson

The modern era of Seahawks QB history began in 2001, when Matt Hasselbeck joined the team as a free agent. Hasselbeck's time with the Seahawks was marked by his ability to lead the team to several come-from-behind victories, earning him the respect of his teammates and coaches. He played for the team from 2001 to 2010, leading the team to the playoffs six times and throwing for over 27,000 yards and 176 touchdowns. In 2012, the Seahawks drafted Russell Wilson, a talented quarterback from the University of Wisconsin. Wilson's time with the Seahawks has been marked by his incredible talent, work ethic, and leadership skills. He has led the team to three Super Bowl appearances, including a championship win in 2014, and has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

Comparing Seahawks QBs: A Statistical Breakdown

So, which Seahawks QBs have been the most successful? Let's take a look at some key statistics to compare and contrast the team's quarterbacks.

Player Games Played Passing Yards Touchdowns Interceptions Passer Rating
Jim Zorn 126 13,380 71 83 64.1
Steve Raible 70 7,922 35 40 63.4
Dave Krieg 148 17,175 114 89 70.6
Steve Young 23 4,063 26 15 84.8
Matt Hasselbeck 204 28,479 176 116 78.3
Russell Wilson 151 21,371 161 64 98.4
    • Leadership skills: The ability to lead a team to victory is crucial for a quarterback. Seahawks QBs like Dave Krieg and Russell Wilson have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, earning the respect of their teammates and coaches.
    • Adaptability: The ability to adapt to a team's system and make adjustments on the fly is key for a quarterback. Seahawks QBs like Steve Young and Matt Hasselbeck have demonstrated this ability, leading the team to several come-from-behind victories.
    • Clutch performance: The ability to perform under pressure is essential for a quarterback. Seahawks QBs like Russell Wilson and Steve Young have demonstrated this ability, leading the team to several victories in critical situations.

Seahawks QB history is a rich and storied tale that spans over four decades, featuring some of the most iconic and talented quarterbacks in NFL history. From the early days of Jim Zorn and Steve Raible to the modern era of Russell Wilson and Geno Smith, the Seahawks have had their fair share of signal-callers who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. By studying the successes and failures of these quarterbacks, we can learn valuable lessons about leadership, adaptability, and clutch performance that can be applied to any situation.

Seahawks QB History serves as a fascinating case study for NFL enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the quarterback position within the franchise. With a rich history spanning over five decades, the Seattle Seahawks have had their fair share of talented signal-callers, each contributing to the team's growth and success.

Early Years (1976-1983)

The Seahawks' quarterback history began with Jim Zorn, a first-round draft pick in 1975. Zorn played for the team from 1976 to 1984, serving as the primary starter for the majority of his tenure. Despite his limited success, Zorn laid the groundwork for future quarterbacks.

One of Zorn's notable accomplishments was leading the Seahawks to their first playoff appearance in 1983. Although they lost to the Dallas Cowboys, this moment marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise.

The Emergence of Dave Krieg (1983-1992)

With the departure of Jim Zorn, Dave Krieg took over as the starting quarterback in 1983. Krieg's arrival marked a significant turning point in Seahawks history, as he brought a level of consistency and leadership to the position.

Krieg's tenure was marked by numerous accomplishments, including two Pro Bowl appearances and a franchise record for most career passing yards (27,988). He also led the Seahawks to their first division title in 1985.

The Steve Young Era (1983-1986)

In 1983, the Seahawks drafted Steve Young with the first overall pick. Although Young's time with the team was relatively short-lived, he made an immediate impact. During his three seasons with the Seahawks, Young threw for 6,740 yards and 36 touchdowns.

Young's departure from the Seahawks in 1986 was a result of a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite his limited time with the team, Young's legacy continues to be felt, as he went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Comparison of Early Quarterbacks

The early years of Seahawks quarterback history saw the emergence of three talented signal-callers: Jim Zorn, Dave Krieg, and Steve Young. Each brought their unique style and strengths to the position.

The following table compares the statistics of these three quarterbacks during their time with the Seahawks:

Quarterback Completions Passing Yards Touchdowns Interceptions
Jim Zorn 1,461 16,677 94 129
Dave Krieg 1,610 27,988 155 134
Steve Young 842 6,740 36 33

The Matt Hasselbeck Era (2001-2010)

After years of searching for a reliable quarterback, the Seahawks finally found their man in Matt Hasselbeck. Drafted in 2001, Hasselbeck quickly established himself as a franchise quarterback.

Hasselbeck's tenure was marked by numerous accolades, including a Pro Bowl appearance, a NFL MVP award, and a Super Bowl appearance. He led the Seahawks to a 13-3 record in 2005 and a division title in 2007.

The Russell Wilson Era (2012-Present)

In 2012, the Seahawks drafted Russell Wilson in the third round. Despite being a late-round pick, Wilson has proven to be one of the most successful quarterbacks in Seahawks history.

Wilson's tenure has been marked by numerous accomplishments, including a Super Bowl XLVIII championship, a Pro Bowl appearance, and a NFL MVP award. He has also led the Seahawks to five consecutive division titles.

Comparison of Modern Quarterbacks

The modern era of Seahawks quarterback history has seen the emergence of two talented signal-callers: Matt Hasselbeck and Russell Wilson. Each brought their unique style and strengths to the position.

The following table compares the statistics of these two quarterbacks during their time with the Seahawks:

Quarterback Completions Passing Yards Touchdowns Interceptions
Matt Hasselbeck 2,341 27,347 152 116
Russell Wilson 2,340 23,685 172 97

Conclusion

The Seahawks' quarterback history is a rich tapestry of talented signal-callers, each contributing to the team's growth and success. From Jim Zorn to Russell Wilson, the franchise has had its fair share of ups and downs, but one constant remains: the pursuit of excellence at the quarterback position.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest tenure of a Seahawks quarterback?
The longest tenure of a Seahawks quarterback is held by Russell Wilson, who played for 10 seasons (2012-2021).
Who was the first quarterback drafted by the Seahawks?
The first quarterback drafted by the Seahawks was Jim Zorn, selected in the 3rd round (67th overall) of the 1972 NFL Draft.
What is the Seahawks' all-time leader in passing yards?
Russell Wilson holds the Seahawks' all-time record for passing yards with 34,804.
Who was the first quarterback to lead the Seahawks to a playoff victory?
Matt Hasselbeck led the Seahawks to their first playoff victory in franchise history in 2003.
What quarterback has the most touchdown passes in Seahawks history?
Russell Wilson holds the Seahawks' record for touchdown passes with 251.

Discover Related Topics

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