Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman was named the 2015 Steve Largent Award winner, which is voted on annually by the players. Sherman was presented with the bronze trophy during an on-field presentation prior to Seahawks versus Rams game. The award is given to the player who best exemplifies the spirit, dedication and integrity of the Seahawks. The Largent Award is named after Seahawks Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent, the first winner of the honor in 1989.
Sherman, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, has the most interceptions (26) and passes defensed (81) in the NFL since 2011. Sherman also ranks sixth for most interceptions in a player’s first five seasons since 1970. Sherman has played in 78 career games and was recently named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl, along with being selected All-Pro three consecutive seasons (2012-2014).
Sherman was also named the Seahawks Man of the Year earlier in the month. He is now eligible for the league Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the only league award that recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence.
The three-time All-Pro selection was raised in Compton, Calif., Sherman made a commitment to be a great athlete but an even better student – a straight-A student and the first player from Compton’s Dominguez High School to earn a football scholarship to Stanford. Sherman is dedicated to sharing the importance of education to inner-city kids through “Blanket Coverage – The Richard Sherman Family Foundation.” Launched in spring 2013, the foundation provides school supplies and adequate clothing to students to ensure they have the necessities needed to achieve their goals.
Throughout the year, Sherman travels to schools to give talks about goal setting and hard work. Following these assemblies, he will meet with at-risk students who sign a pledge to improve their grades, show up for school, and be good citizens. Each student receives a backpack full of school supplies and a promise from Richard to support them yearly if they fulfill their obligation. He serves as a mentor to more than 50 high school students and actively monitors their grades. Students are rewarded with game tickets and the chance to see Sherman put his words into action on the playing field.
Since his rookie year, he has provided presents for families during the holidays. He continued the tradition on December 21 by hosting 25 families at the Seahawks training facility. He provided gifts from their “wish” list and also purchased items they really needed.
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