Veteran OLB Bruce Irvin Reveals Why He Rejoined the Seahawks

Bruce Irvin with the Raiders in 2018. Photo by Scott D Stivason/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

Veteran outside linebacker Bruce Irvin signed a one-year deal with Seattle Seahawks this offseason, returning to the place where his NFL career started. In a chat with reporters on Tuesday, Irvin revealed that his decision was influenced by the positive experience he had during his first stint.  

Irvin explained that he was sitting at home, watching the Seahawks get a 9-17 win over Philadelphia Eagles, and ended up wishing he was there with his old organization.

“After the Philly game, actually, I sent Bobby (Wagner) a text while they were on the plane saying, ‘I wish I was on that plane with you all. I just wanted to come back,” said Irvin.

It turned out that Irvin didn’t have to wait too long to fulfill his wish. He was a free agent at the end of 2019 season, in which he had career-high 8.5 sacks with Carolina Panther, and Seahawks needed a pass rush help after their leading pass rusher in 2019 only had 4.0 sacks. The two sides swiftly agreed to a deal, and now the 32-year-old gets to make another run in Seattle.

Irvin isn’t just looking to singlehandedly up the Seahawks’ sack numbers and hopes to set an example for the franchise’s young players.

“We got a young group and we got to work,” he added. “I couldn’t predict how many sacks we’re going to get right now, but I think we’ve got a young, talented group and I’m going to work to lead these boys. … I just hope they’re ready to work.”

Bruce Irvin entered the league as Seahawks’ first round in 2012. He spent four years with the franchise, helping the team win a Super Bowl, before embarking on stints with Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.

Irvin’s career stats include 301 tackles, 52.0 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

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