You’ve seen the names encircling the field at Lumen Field. Huge, white block letters on a blue background. It's the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor, and honestly, if you think it’s just a participation trophy for guys who played a long time, you’re dead wrong.
It is one of the most exclusive clubs in professional sports. Since the franchise kicked off in 1976, only 15 people have made the cut. That is it. Fifteen names in half a century. Basically, you have a better chance of winning the lottery while being struck by lightning than seeing your name up there next to Steve Largent.
The bar is incredibly high. It isn't just about stats or how many Pro Bowls you made, though that obviously helps. It is about who defined an era of Seattle football.
The 15 Names You Need to Know
Right now, the list is a "who’s who" of Pacific Northwest legends. We aren't just talking about great players; we're talking about the pillars of the community.
Here is the current roster of the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor as of 2026:
- Steve Largent (WR): The first-ever inductee in 1989. He retired with every major receiving record in NFL history.
- Jim Zorn (QB): The left-handed scrambler who made the expansion years watchable.
- Dave Brown (CB): A ball-hawk who defined the early secondary.
- Pete Gross (Broadcaster): The "Voice of the Seahawks." He was inducted in 1992 just days before he passed away from cancer. It's still one of the most emotional moments in stadium history.
- Curt Warner (RB): Before the other Warner, there was Curt. Three-time Pro Bowler and the engine of the '80s offense.
- Jacob Green (DE): Still the franchise leader in sacks (officially 116, but more if you count his rookie year before sacks were a stat).
- Kenny Easley (S): The "Enforcer." He played with a ferocity that arguably hasn't been matched since.
- Dave Krieg (QB): The man with the tiny hands and the huge heart. He won a lot of games people thought he shouldn't.
- Chuck Knox (Coach): "Ground Chuck." He brought the first real era of winning to Seattle.
- Cortez Kennedy (DT): Tez. 1992 Defensive Player of the Year on a 2-14 team. That is how dominant he was.
- Walter Jones (OT): Maybe the greatest left tackle to ever play the game. Nine Pro Bowls. Only 23 holding penalties in 180 games. Think about that.
- Paul Allen (Owner): The man who saved the Seahawks from moving to California. Without him, there is no Ring of Honor.
- Matt Hasselbeck (QB): The leader of the first Super Bowl run.
- Mike Holmgren (Coach): The "Big Show." He turned a wandering franchise into a perennial powerhouse.
- Shaun Alexander (RB): The 2005 MVP. He scored 28 touchdowns in a single season.
The Difference Between Retired Numbers and the Ring
A common mistake fans make—especially the younger ones—is thinking these are the same thing. They aren't. Not even close.
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The Seahawks have only retired five numbers.
- 80 (Largent)
- 71 (Jones)
- 96 (Kennedy)
- 45 (Easley)
- 12 (The Fans)
If you notice, there is a pattern. To get your number retired in Seattle, you basically have to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer who spent the vast majority of your career here. The Ring of Honor is slightly more "inclusive" (if you can call 15 people inclusive), allowing for guys like Dave Krieg or Jim Zorn who were legendary but might not have the Canton jacket.
Who is Next? The Legion of Boom Dilemma
This is where things get spicy. We are currently in a bit of a waiting game. The Super Bowl XLVIII core is now eligible.
Bobby Wagner is a lock. He is a "don't even bother voting, just start painting the sign" type of candidate. He’s got the stats, the ring, and the community impact. But what about the others?
Marshawn Lynch is the soul of that era. Does he get in? Almost certainly. But Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Russell Wilson are more complicated. Sherman left on weird terms but has since mended fences. Earl Thomas... well, the middle finger to the sideline on his way out didn't help his case.
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And then there's Russ.
He holds every passing record. He won the Super Bowl. But the way he exited left a sour taste in the mouths of many "12s." Honestly, it’s going to take a few more years for that wound to heal before the front office feels comfortable putting #3 up there.
The Pete Carroll Factor
There is zero doubt Pete Carroll gets in. He is the winningest coach in team history. He stayed in the organization after stepping down from the sidelines. The only question is when. Usually, the team likes to wait for a "down" year to do a big induction to keep the fans hyped.
How You Get In: The Unspoken Criteria
The Seahawks don't have a public "point system" for the Ring of Honor. There’s no "get 50 sacks and you're in" rule.
From what we've seen over the last 30 years, it comes down to three things.
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First, Longevity. You can't just be a "flash in the pan." You need to have been a Seahawk for the bulk of your prime.
Second, Impact. Were you the best player on your side of the ball for at least half a decade? If the answer is no, you’re probably just a "Seahawks Legend," not a Ring of Honor member.
Third, The "Vibe" Check. This is the Paul Allen/Pete Gross factor. Are you part of the fabric of the city? Do people still wear your jersey 20 years later?
What to Expect If You Go to an Induction
If you ever get the chance to attend a Ring of Honor game, do it. The ceremonies usually happen at halftime. They dim the lights, play a massive highlight reel on the big screens, and the inductee gets a blue blazer.
It’s one of the few times you’ll see the "Old Guard" and the "New Guard" together. You’ll see guys like Walter Jones standing on the sideline watching the current tackles, and it creates this bridge between generations of fans.
Actionable Insights for the "12s"
If you are a die-hard fan looking to celebrate this history, here is what you should actually do:
- Visit the VMAC: The Virginia Mason Athletic Center (the practice facility in Renton) has a massive display dedicated to these players. It’s way more intimate than seeing the names on the stadium wall.
- Watch the "Seahawks Stories" series: The team’s official YouTube channel often drops mini-documentaries on these guys. If you only know Shaun Alexander from his Madden cover, go watch his actual 2005 highlights. The guy was a glide-runner who made 10-yard gains look like a stroll in the park.
- Pay attention to the "Legend of the 12th Man" flag raisers: Often, the team uses the flag-raising ceremony to test the waters for future Ring of Honor candidates. If a retired player gets a massive, standing-ovation roar every time he raises the flag, he’s probably on the shortlist for the Ring.
The Ring of Honor isn't just a list. It’s the story of Seattle sports. It’s the story of a team that almost moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, but stayed to become a Northwest powerhouse. When you look at those names, you aren't just looking at football players. You're looking at the reasons why Sunday afternoons in Seattle feel the way they do.