The Richard Sherman breakup: What to make of the corner signing with the 49ers

At some point in the last year almost all Seahawks fans have arrived at a similar conclusion: Richard Sherman could be playing elsewhere sooner rather than later. It turns out that thought became reality two weeks ago. Following his release from the Seahawks, Sherman agreed to a deal to play for the rival 49ers.

So what should we make of Richard Sherman leaving? Sherman was a key cog in the best run in Seahawks history. He supplied us with countless memorable plays and soundbites. Perhaps the most memorable of each category came in 2013 NFC Championship game against those same 49ers when Sherman tipped a near-touchdown pass and turned it into a game clinching interception. The star corner then went on to give one of the most infamous post game interviews of all time. He told Erin Andrews exactly what he thought of wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

As a fan, I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily mad at Richard Sherman. Annoyed? Perhaps. Honestly, when I think of how the whole situation went down and where things were, I’m left feeling like things sort of went the way they were destined to.

Sherman is not the player he was three or four years ago. He’s lost a half-step. He doesn’t have the same knack for making big plays that he once did. And his body is starting to show signs of wear and tear. Aside from the physical aspects, it was clear Sherman had never and would never move on from the crushing defeat of Super Bowl XLIX. So it’s understandable why the Seahawks were willing to part with Sherman.

As for Sherman, he has always gone through life with a massive chip on his shoulder. So it’s understandable that he would want to prove himself by signing with a rival. I’ve got to think he is relishing the opportunity to be a thorn in his old team’s side.

Protect the team

I get the frustration by Seahawks fans over Richard Sherman going to San Francisco. But you have to remember that the Seahawks were the ones who let him go. That being said, Sherman is just as much to blame. Even though he showed signs of slowing up, the Seahawks might have held on to him for another year or tried harder to renegotiate a deal if his attitude was better. In the end Sherman was a repeated Rule 1 violator. And Pete Carroll Rule 1 is this: Always protect the team. Richard Sherman couldn’t control his emotions enough to abide by that rule.

I think when it comes to fans’ side of this whole thing, everyone can react in the way they see fit. That’s the beauty of sports. As for me? I’ll always remember Sherman as a Seahawk. Seeing number twenty five put on a gold helmet won’t take away from what he accomplished in the Pacific Northwest. He helped set a standard of excellence the organization had never seen before.

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I am thankful for his time in Seattle and look forward to seeing him in the ring of honor. Before you get too angry with me I’ll say this. I hope Russell Wilson zips ten touchdowns right by his earhole into the outstretched arms of Doug Baldwin. That’s right, I ‘m looking for five TDs per game against Sherman. After all, the rivalry just got some new life.