Seahawks star Russell Wilson pays fitting tribute to Kam Chancellor after he's released
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS quarterback Russell Wilson has paid tribute to Kam Chancellor after the organisation released the strong safety for medical reasons.
Chancellor didn’t take to the field for the Seahawks last season but has yet to officially retire after suffering a career-threatening neck injury in 2017.
He spent the entire season on Seattle’s reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Wilson, has spent seven years playing on the same team as Chancellor, took to Twitter to pay tribute to his former team-mate.
“You’re a Legend,” Wilson tweeted.
You’re a Legend
“Forever.’321’.”
Chancellor, who is a four-time Pro Bowler, is expected to retire after the decision by the Seahawks but according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport the safety will set get paid this year.
“Kam Chancellor also officially released, but still gets $5million this year,” Rapoport said.
“His career has been over for some time, but at least now official from the team.”
You’re a Legend. Forever. “321” @KamChancellor #VA #GoHawks pic.twitter.com/4PoRvHfoql
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) May 10, 2019
The reason why Chancellor stayed on Seattle’s roster was due to the guarantees in his contract.
If the Seahawks had released him earlier it would have cost the team heavily against the salary cap.
Over the course of his career Chancellor played 109 games for Seattle, where he made 606 combined tackles, 12 interceptions and also chipped in two sacks.
He also won the Super Bowl XLVIII when the Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos 43-8 in 2013.
Following Chancellor out of the door in Seattle is wide receiver Doug Baldwin.
Baldwin, a two-time Pro Bowler, carved out a career by being tougher and playing harder than those around him but it appears his body can no longer take the punishment of playing in the league.
He has undergone three surgeries since the end of last season, with the latest surgery being a sports hernia operation, which was expected to sideline him for at least two months.
"The Seahawks have made the difficult decision to terminate/failed physical Doug Baldwin and Kam Chancellor," Seahawks general manager John Schneider said in a statement.
"These are two of the most iconic players in franchise history and both were instrumental in establishing our championship culture, great examples of competitiveness and leadership on the field and in the community.
“These legendary players will always be a part of our Seahawks family."