I remember attending the season opener and having high hopes, but now the injured Seattle Seahawks season is truly over. As a ‘Hawks’ fan it was rough year. Have you ever wondered where the team name originated? According to sportsecyclopedia, the Seahawks nickname “was the result of a fan contest that drew 20,365 entries and suggested 1,742 different names. Seahawks was suggested by 151 entrants and judged by the team ownership as the best choice.” The logo is described as “a Native American totem-style hawk with a fierce look.” Great marketing gimmick to get fans to relate.
At any rate, Coach Mike Holmgren stated he would spend more time with his family and plans on working more with charity. And riding his Harley was high on the list of things to do during his sabbatical from the NFL. The team pulled together a little gift in a show of appreciation for their coaches five division titles and advancement to the playoffs six times in the last 10 years. Out rolls a limited edition Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Ultra. Injured team sure, but cheap they are not! The motorcycle is listed at almost $36,000, and with the dealer markup and add-ons it had an out-the-door price of $42,128. There was a salesman smiling somewhere that day!
In Renton, Holmgren took a lap around the team’s practice facility on the motorcycle and then posed for photo’s with the team as something to remember them by if football memories fade. Say what you will about Holmgren in his last year in Seattle, but I think he was a class act. He never blamed anyone for the team injuries and took it all standing up.
So, head on out Mike and enjoy your summer of motorcycle riding. And if the rumors are true good luck coaching in San Francisco…
Photo courtesy Associated Press