Sam Darnold will walk out as one of the Seahawks’ captains when Seattle opens its season Wednesday night against the Patriots. For the new starting quarterback, it’s a visible vote of trust before his first snap in a Seahawks uniform.
Don’t expect the title to stick all year.
Mike Macdonald is sticking with his approach: captaincy as a weekly honor, not a season-long badge. Instead of a fixed group wearing the “C” for 17 games, Seattle will rotate captains every week, just as Macdonald has done in each of his first two seasons as head coach. While most NFL teams hand out captain patches for the year, the Seahawks are keeping things fluid, and, perhaps, more personal.
Darnold will share captain duties against New England with linebacker Ernest Jones IV, fullback Brady Russell, and defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The group spans the roster, from the quarterback tasked with leading the offense to established defensive voices and a fullback whose physical style sets the tone for the opener.
For Darnold, the choice is straightforward. As the starting quarterback, he’ll be expected to lead with or without a patch.
The weekly captain announcement gives fans another storyline ahead of the Patriots game, one that reveals something about the standards inside the building rather than just the depth chart. For those tracking every detail around the opener, including mobile live betting performance tips. Seattle’s decision puts Darnold at the center of its first test.
Macdonald wants recognition to move through the roster
Macdonald explained his thinking early in 2024: weekly captains aren’t meant to replace the team’s natural leaders. Instead, he sees the designation as a way to reward players who set the right example and to amplify voices that deserve to be heard.
“It’s a combination of guys who are doing a great job, guys who are trying to build up and give an opportunity to have a voice with the rest of the team, guys you want to recognize that deserve an opportunity to do those things,” Macdonald said.
That distinction matters. Seattle’s system signals that leadership isn’t reserved for the biggest names. A weekly honor can go to someone playing well, preparing well, or simply operating in the way the staff wants the whole roster to emulate. Captaincy becomes a recurring challenge, not a season-long label.
Players already know who the leaders are, Macdonald said, regardless of titles. “You don’t need the title to be the leader of the team,” he said. “But it’s important to build everybody else up.”
His explanation was blunt: “There’s nothing formal about it. It’s just more of a recognition type thing. Just, ‘Hey, shout out to these guys that are operating the right way, playing the right way, preparing the right way.’”
Meanwhile, the Patriots game arrives with questions in the secondary. Safety Nick Emmanwori remained limited in Monday’s practice as he recovers from July ankle surgery. Starting safety Ty Okada missed a second straight day, while Julian Neal, also a starting safety, was a full participant as he manages a quad injury.
For opening night, the captaincy list offers a snapshot of what Seattle wants to project: Darnold’s command, Jones’ presence, Russell’s work ethic, and Williams’ authority up front. The names will change after Week 1. Against New England, these four will carry Seattle to midfield.
