Where are the other original ‘Legion of Boom’ members now?
By Luke Allen
The 2012 Seahawks defensive backs gave themselves one of the greatest nicknames in history.
The Legion of Boom.
The name came from the secondary’s hard hits and trash talking swagger they carried themselves with.
It first comprised of cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner, along with safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.
In 2013, newcomers such as Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond joined the L.O.B. That secondary was an integral part of the Super Bowl XLVIII victory that season.
Where are they now?
For starters, three of the four LOB members are still around. That’d be Thomas, Chancellor and Sherman.
What about the others?
Brandon Browner
Brandon Browner left via free agency after the Super Bowl victory and joined the New England Patriots, who went on to defeat the Seahawks in the Super Bowl the following year.
He once again left his team through free agency and signed a deal with New Orleans, where he was historically bad. He led the NFL in penalties and was constantly burnt.
In 2016, he re-joined the LOB only to be cut during the pre-season. He has not signed with a team since.
Byron Maxwell
After spending a year opposite Sherman in 2014, Byron Maxwell was one of the most highly coveted cornerbacks in free agency.
Maxwell signed a max contract with the Eagles and had an average season in 2015 with the squad. He – along with Kiko Alonzo – was traded to Miami after the 2015 season.
In Miami, Maxwell has thrived alongside Brent Grimes to create a solid secondary for the Dolphins.
Walter Thurmond
Thurmond supplied very important depth for the Seahawks in 2013. He often played the nickel position and stepped in when Browner was suspended.
He was also coveted through free agency and was signed to a deal with the New York Giants, although he was placed on IR after week 2 with a torn pec.
In 2015, Thurmond was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. Thurmond converted to safety and had a solid season with the Eagles including three interceptions.
Thurmond decided to retire after the 2015 season at the age of 28.
Today’s LOB
Today, the Legion of Boom consists of the same safeties (Chancellor and Thomas), as well as newly acquired safety Bradley McDougald. Cornerbacks include Sherman, of course, along with Deshawn Shead, Jeremy Lane, and rookie Shaquill Griffin.
The secondary is still strong. Possibly good enough to help lead the Seahawks to another Super Bowl victory in 2017.