Your favorite things: Seahawks edition
Seahawks fans share their prized possessions related to the their favorite team: Seaside Joe 1954
A custom built Seahawks arcade center. A signed teriyaki menu. A tour of Steve Largent’s office. A luchador mask. A son-in-law.
No, it’s not the fever dream you had last night after eating an entire plate of lunchmeat that was left out in the sun all day, these are just a few of your favorite Seattle Seahawks luxury items. Yes, including a human being.
Last week on July 3rd, I flipped this writer-reader relationship upside down by asking you to write to me with some of your most prized Seahawks possessions. I knew that the answers would be good…
I had no idea they’d be this good.
(Okay, I knew your answers would be great, I am just happy that some of you were kind enough to share your favorite things and allow me to use your comments as the subject of today’s article.)
These are the top Seahawks luxury items, gifts, experiences, memories, possessions, creations, and relatives that YOU shared with the community last week. We had a lot of signed things, a lot of jerseys, a few custom built items, and tons upon scores of awesome stories and anecdotes.
At certain times I’ve edited down a comment to conserve page space.
Thank you for sharing if you shared, thank you for reading if you read the comments, and thank you for being a subscriber if you’re a subscriber.
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Large’-n-In-charge
Chuck Turtleman:
Mine was a Steve Largent cameo Mrs. Turtleman got me for my birthday a couple of years ago. He gave me a tour of his office and trophies, and shared stories of his career as a Seahawk. I don't know if it's something I can share or not, but I'll try: It works!
Wow, not only is this a Seahawks luxury item—It’s a Seahawks legend literally going around his office showing you what HIS Seahawks luxury items are! Thanks Chuck!
Sea-Sign Joe
Caleb Allen:
I was born in Seattle in 1995 and spent the first 15 years of my life there. I grew up a huge Seattle sports fan, but football was my first love so the Seahawks were and still are my favorite team across any sport by a long shot. In 2010 my dad took a job that moved us out to Kentucky, which as you can imagine was a huge culture shock and not immediately welcomed by a 15 year okd. It didn’t take long for Kentucky to become my new home but my Seahawks fandom didn’t waver a bit. A couple years into working at his new job, my dad found out that one of his prominent contacts for security over his facility was the cousin of Josh Portis, who was on Seattle’s roster heading into the 2012 season. My dad explained how we were Seattle natives and huge Seahawks fans and the cousin contacted Josh asking if he could get some cool merch or something to send our way. The Portis family came through in a huge way, sending a signed Seahawks ball from any of the guys that were around the facility that summer of 2012. It includes a random collection of Seahawks signatures, but some really notable ones like Earl Thomas and Brandon Mebane to name a couple. I was and still am so greatful for that, and I imagine it will always be my most treasured Seahawks possession.
Loaf Bench:
I've got an unhealthy obsession with seahawks mini helmets, having 10 on a dedicated shelf, best of which is a black/action green 'eclipse' version signed by Bobo!
Stu Wilson:
My prized seahawks possession is an autographed Warren Moon jersey....2nd era jersey which I love (second era and Warren moon)
Largentium:
My most prized possession came as a result of my wife treating me to a trip to Seattle in 2016 for the opener against Miami. On the Friday before the game, there was a tailgate party at the stadium, so we walked down to it. In a tent were Steve Largent (the main reason why I'm a Hawks fan) and Jim Zorn signing autographs. My wife talked me into buying a retro logo cap and I took it over to get their signatures and chat with them for a few minutes. It's not something I would normally do, as I'm not one that's big into autographs or meeting famous people, but I was glad I did as they were both very friendly and accommodating. I bought a case for the cap and it's been on my desk ever since.
Defjames:
I received a signed / framed photo of Marshawn beast quake as a gift, easily my most prized Seahawks item.
Elliot B:
My most prized Seahawks possession is my Field Pass that I got Pete Carroll to sign from the throwback game vs the Browns last year when I completed my pilgrimage to finally see a game live. Oh, and I am also a HUGE fan of my limited edition Shaquem Griffin bobblehead that I won courtesy of Seaside Joe :)
Randall Murray:
For me is my signed although now faded Mack Strong old style jersey. Was my first ever Seahawks jersey as I couldn’t afford things like that as a kid watching Zorn, Largent, Etc. and as a kid my mom embroidered a plan sweatshirt with 70s helmet and we put 80 and 79 on the sleeves (Largent of course and “my man Jacob” Green).
Paul G:
Mine is a helmet autographed by John Randall. I had won something else is a raffle and for some reason that didn’t happen. The Seahawks called and offered me an autographed helmet. I asked for Randle because he played college ball at Texas A&I (now Texas A&M-Kingsville) where my father was Library Director for 25 years.
Tim Drake:
My favorite is something I lost. When I was 5, I went to the first Seahawks game and fell in love. It was probably the next year and our family went camping at Potholes. The adults went to the local bar and the Seahawks team bus happened to stop there for the night. When my mom finally stumbled back to camp (GenX experiences are a real thing) she had a scrap of paper with Steve Largent’s autograph. I used that piece of paper as a bookmark for years. I don’t know when or where I lost it but I think about it every time I dog-ear a page. I probably could message Steve but I kinda cherish the regret.
Also, Fickle Pickles are the best pickle out there.
Mostly Lurking:
Either a teriyaki menu signed by Cortez Kennedy that I got from him back when the Hawks practiced in Redmond and used to head to Toshi's after practices or the less personal but more visually appealing Steve Largent Wheaties box I kept from childhood.
Now you’re bringing back all my memories of the various styles of teriyaki that I ate around Bellevue in the 90s and 00s. I remember Toshi’s, although I’m not sure how many Toshi’s there are so could it be the same? Or did I go to Yoshi’s? I love all the different styles of sauce: Thick, thin, drenched, on the side…usually as long as the chicken meat is good, I think the teriyaki is good. I am still amazed that I have never found good teriyaki outside of the Seattle, until Seaside Jay started making it herself and now that’s my favorite teriyaki.
Please, folks, share your Seattle teriyaki stories too!
Jersey Score
Dave jangard:
My white Richard Sherman jersey. Impressed with his play and the attitude that he brought when he became a starter, I decided this would be my first real jersey. 2012 training camp and the team store has nothing but Lynch, Thomas even Matt freakin Flynn but no Sherm jerseys. After a sunsoaked day at training camp, and failing to find my jersey online at NFLdotcom, I drunkenly FB messaged Sherman himself, something about they need to recognize and make these......and he responded! It was just a lol, thanks for the compliment kind of thing but I was stoked. Had to wait until October I think before I could order the custom Jersey. Fast forward to training camp 2013 I'm on the fence-line right up front and Shermans' brother (a guest at practice) walked right by us, paused and pointed "nice Jersey" I didn't know it was his brother at first but it was quickly revealed it was Branton Sherman. Love that jersey still....
Grant:
In 2008/2009 (the Jim Mora era I think) there weren't many jersey-purchase-inspiring players, but I really wanted to get my first real jersey. I had been a fan at that point for a couple decades and only ever owned generic fan t-shirts. Alexander and Engram were gone, Hass and Tatupu were old, Curry sucked, and Houshmandzadeh was too long to fit on a jersey. However, the hawks had one supremely mediocre player named Deon Grant. My name is Grant! I can get a jersey with my name on it, but it's a real jersey! My mom and my girlfriend at the time (now wife) split the cost of ordering it for me as a birthday present and I loved it. In retrospect, however, no one understood that it was an actual player's jersey and not just some gimmick I pulled to get my name on there. I should have just got the Hasselbeck or Tatupu jersey that I could still wear today and other fans would recognize. I learned that inside jokes don't make for great public displays. It is both my favorite Seahawks thing I own and also the one I most regret.
Another question to the audience: Which Seahawks players or other athletes maybe do you share a name with?
You would think that growing up in the Seattle area in the 90s with the name “Ken” would get a lot of Griffey references, but since I went by “Kenny” it was only one of two people: Either Kenny Lofton or Kenny from South Park. Mostly now Kenny from South Park.
Candy Hughes
a T shirt that proclaims "Real Women love the Seahawks" (these from thrift stores, limited budget)... what I really wanted, and never could find, the jersey for John Ursua, since he went to the same high school my stepson did, I waited for game after regular season game to watch him play; the other thing I've never found is game-type pants with the feather side stripe, do have leggings with Seahawks logo and sweatpants with Seattle's skyline -- I do my best to put on an outfit same colors as players wear for each game .. might as well wear a lucky charm
Doug:
The first thing I ever bought with a Seahawks logo... a t-shirt with good old #80 and the players name on it. RICE! lol. It was while I was still learning Seahawks history and before I knew Largent gave up the claim to the number so Rice could wear it.
Hawkman54:
A jersey That was ( I was told ) wore in a game by O Linemen Byran Millard.
I hope they were telling the truth! What makes you suspicious it might not be?
Dale:
I too love my Seahawks jerseys, but I’m scared to get another one. I first bought a Sherm one, then he left. Then I bought a Wilson one, then he left. See my issue? My favourite bit of merch overall, though, is my black Seahawks armed forces hoodie from a few seasons ago.
Speaking of merch Joe?…???????…
I wouldn’t feel right making people buy any Seaside Joe merchandise that I wasn’t 100% confident in as being really awesome, unique, and worth the price. It is unfortunately all too common these days for anyone with 5 or more fans to try and flood the market with, for example, t-shirts that are manufactured for 0.60 cents, sold for $30, and the quality isn’t even suitable to use as a garage rag.
I have recently been getting into seeking out high-quality merch, which to me just means that a durable t-shirt with some style that I can wear at least once every other week (I just got one from this local Detroit style pizza place that has been worth every penny), so maybe in a couple of years I’ll be ready to release something that I wouldn’t feel guilty about selling to people. What I’ll never do is sell a cheap piece of crap made by tee spring or one of those companies that just rips people off for a quick buck.
In the meantime, I prefer giving stuff away. The giveaways have been successful, in the sense that I like doing it and will continue to do it. Coming up next will be a giveaway of “Joe’s favorite things”, which is going to be a gift basket of my personal favorite boutique snacks and that one is definitely going to be reserved for premium members only.
Mcdude:
My favorite is my 8x10 photograph of the 12 flag. Atlanta won that night. Matt Ryan of course. I had a plain Seahawks shirt from the 70s it fell off my back. Threadbare. May the 12s be with you and Go Seahawks!
See what I mean? Sounds like that shirt far exceeded its original value! That will be my intent with any merch, if it ever happens.
Want to do something nice for three people with one move? Get a gift subscription for a Seahawks fan today!
Seahawks South
Jason Taylor:
First let me preface by saying I live in fort smith arkansas. Getting ready to paint my house...went down to sherman-williams 😉 and got authentic seahawks colored paint! In a sea of hogs whatever kind of red it is my gray blue and just a hint of rush green will stand loud and proud... will send some pics when I'm finished!
Charley Filipek:
Cool! Yeppers Jason, not a lot of Seahawks fans here in Ark-in-saw ... but when one Does come across another fan, it's quite cool. Whooo, HAWKS ! Soar! My Seahawks Championship cap which i was able to buy 'cause a Field Gulls commenter had a discount code. Whoohoo.
Paul G:
We should come up up with a Seahawks South logo!
Shaymus McFamous:
My old car is silver, and I accented/accessorized it with a green super bowl champs front license plate, logo sticker on back, and rear license plate frame. The color scheme stoodout. All that said, my "W" glasses and SSJ sticker I won in the giveaway earlier this year feom here have to be my favorite collectibles.
Go Southern Seahawks Supporters! Cheers from GA!
Super Sundays
Chris H:
I still have the DVR I recorded the Super Bowl win over the Bronco's on. I've re-watched that game 100 times at least. Now that Pete's gone, I might let that one go.
I posted a youtube video in yesterday's thread of an interview with Matt Hasselbeck which I highly recommend watching. After all the kerfuffle when Mike Mac took down a few pictures in one hallway, it was interesting to hear Pete's approach when he first came in. Matt always has a unique and balanced perspective on things.
Another vote for the Super Bowl game by Roger.
Roger Woitte:
The superbowl champs hat and the game on Blu-ray.
Unique-o Thorpe
Aaron Eisenbarth:
Dirt cheap luchador Seahawks mask from Mexico. It is over my right shoulder in all meetings and is likely creepy to people at first glance.
My dad got me a Seahawks poncho once, maybe we should bring it together with the luchador mask.
Jake:
I have a custom built 4 player full Seahawks arcade game that plays over 10k games in my arcade. Covered in Seahawk greats and beautiful stadium pics.
Mike Brophy:
My son-in-law. David Kirtman #37, played 3 years for the SeaHawks, then 49ers, Saints, and Chargers… Very proud of David!!!
Defjames:
I went to high school with David, graduated the same year as his older brother Michael.
It’s a small Seaside, after all. Shout out to the Seahawks post-Super Bowl XL draft class: Kelly Jennings, Darryl Tapp, Rob Sims, Kirtman, Ben Obomanu, and Ryan Plackemeier. Literally all players I remember quite well.
Thank you everyone for sharing your Seahawks luxury items. Now time to throw them out and get new ones!
I was instantly a Shaun Alexander fan as soon as we drafted him. It is the only jersey I have ever bought, but it was one without sewn on letters, so they have peeled here and there. It is the one I was wearing in the pic I took with my SSJ fan kit giveaway items.
The reason I was an instant fan of his is that my name is Shaun, and all throught my school days there were a ton of other Seans and Shawns, but very few "U" spellings like ours. The fact that turned out to be an MVP and dominant player was icing on the cake.
So we share a name
SEA MORE COMMENTS:
- What a lot of interesting things we all have! One day we'll have to have a Seaside Auction and see who gets the highest bid.
- I'll be including more Seahawks sports cards in future giveaways. They are mostly only $1-$2, if not less, even if it's the best player. I can't believe how many cards I collected as a kid. Of course, like most people, they're all sitting in a box in the closet or garage and the only thing they collect now is dust. But I did once find an old Magic the gathering card in there and sold it for $200. I have held onto this Michael Jordan for 30 years because when I was a kid it was worth something like $150. I bet it's worth $15 now. That's cards!
I mostly collected X-Men cards though, which probably will not relate to most people unless you're between the ages of like 35-45, I guess?
Question for the crowd: What kind of cards do you own the most of? Baseball, football, comic book? Or any favorite card possessions?