During Tuesday's practice, Sherman was an engaged spectator from the sideline, offering both encouragement and advice for Seattle's defensive backs, especially Riq Woolen, who like Sherman is a former receiver, a fifth-round pick, and at 6-foot-4, taller and longer than a typical NFL cornerback.
"It was smooth," said cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who while not as similar to Sherman physically, does share a hyper-competitive nature and penchant for entertaining smack talk. "You get a perspective from what he's looking at, he's looking at it from, I don't want to say coaching standpoint, but he's not playing anymore, so he gets a chance to give us advice and tips on stuff that he sees we can improve on. It's just good to have him out there.
"Great tips from Sherm, we just appreciate him coming out here and taking time out of his day to give us that advice."
The Seahawks coaching staff, led by Mike Macdonald, has plenty of experience and knowhow to help players improve and play at a high level, but they are also the first to acknowledge that former players the caliber of Sherman or Chancellor, or Marshawn Lynch, who was at last week's preseason game and at practice over the weekend, can bring some unique perspective that benefits players in a way traditional coaching cannot.
"All of our all-time greats, if you're listening, come back, we love having them here, especially Sherm," Macdonald said. "Look, he knows a lot more stuff about being a player than I do, so go do your thing, go talk to the guys. He's got relationships with a lot of our guys already, which is really cool. Of course we welcome him in, let him spit some knowledge for us."
Said defensive coordinator Aden Durde, "I just think it's great. On teams I've been on, when the Legend players come back and share with players, that's one of the most important things in football. Because it's not just technique, it's experience, it's understanding of the moment, it's understanding how important the little things are, and it really enforces everyone's message. You can't put a value on things like that."