The Seahawks re-signed fullback standout Brady Russell, bringing back not only one of their top special teams players, but also one of their top leaders, a captain who leads his team onto the field each Sunday carrying the 12 flag.
"It means the world," Russell said after signing. "I was definitely hoping to stay here, we've built something really special, and it's really cool to be a part of the initial team when Mike came in and be a part of what we've built."
Russell led the Seahawks in special teams tackles last season with 14, and provides a versatile and physical presence on offense as both a fullback and tight end, but for all he brings on the field from snap to whistle, his leadership is also a big part of why he's coming back for a fourth season with the Seahawks.
Russell, who was named one of the team's game captains for Super Bowl LX helps set the tone for his team, and for the special teams units in particular.
"Brady, from day one, how much pride he took in his role, again, setting an example for how we want to operate here with our special teams units," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said after Russell was named a Super Bowl captain. "Guys follow his lead. His energy every day is contagious. Love for his teammates, love for the game, unselfish. He's tough as nails. You could argue he's probably one of the best core four combo guys in the league. He's been doing it for a couple years."
With Russell helping lead the charge, the Seahawks were one of the best teams in the NFL when it came to special teams play, both because of the talent and scheme in that phase, but also because of the effort put forth in that phase of the game.
"Schematically we were super good, but bigger than that was the willingness from all the players," Russell said. "You don't always see that around the league; you see a lot of people taking downs off during special teams, but for a lot of us it's some of the most important snaps of the game, and we treat it like that."
With Russell re-signing, the Seahawks will have back all five players who were named captains for Seattle's Super Bowl win over the Patriots—Russell, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Leonard Williams and Cooper Kupp—further highlighting the level of continuity the Seahawks should have in 2026, having lost only two starters from that game in free agency, running back Kenneth Walker and safety Coby Bryant, as well as two significant contributors, outside linebacker Boye Mafe and cornerback Riq Woolen.
"That's huge," Russell said of the team's continuity coming off a championship season. "Most all of our core pieces are still here, a lot of the leaders are still here, so we're going to be able to keep the message the same across the team so we don't get into a place of complacency. We can stay on attack mode like we were all year this year."