© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Sherman would not give much ammunition to the biggest storyline in an otherwise dormant rivalry. On Sunday, the 49ers (2-9) will take on the Seahawks (6-5) in what will be Sherman’s first game as an opponent at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field.
His return to the place that watched him develop into a star has all the makings of must-see drama. Sherman now plays for the team he once antagonized as a member of the Seahawks. He will match up against wide receiver Doug Baldwin, a former teammate and close friend of about 11 years, along with quarterback Russell Wilson, whom Sherman claims to have no current relationship with. He will oppose Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who facilitated Sherman’s release.
Back in March, former Sports Illustrated writer Peter King detailed a conversation between Sherman and 49ers general manager John Lynch, occurring at some point within the 28 hours Sherman was a free agent.
“We had something no other team could offer,” Lynch said.
What?
“The ability to play Seattle twice a year,” Lynch said.
When that was relayed to Sherman, he paused for a second.
Sherman said: “I’m vengeful in that way.”
Sherman downplayed that vengefulness in his press conference Thursday afternoon. When asked whether he has circled Sunday’s game, originally slotted for Sunday Night Football, on the schedule, he dismissed the question.
“Honestly, not really,” Sherman said. “It will be good to get back there and see some old guys, old faces. But it’s football. Football is football. Go out there and do my job and try to help our team win the ballgame.”
How does he think fans will receive him?
“I don’t even think about it, honestly,” Sherman said.
He would not give the kind of long, antagonistic answer that would add fuel to the matchup. But he did throw several jabs at his old franchise.
Like when he was asked about the challenges of defending Wilson’s athleticism.
“I have also seen him throw five picks in a game,” Sherman said. “You see what he is capable of on both sides of it, so you understand that he can be defended.”
Or his thoughts on Seattle’s commitment to the run game.
“I’ve seen them run it on third-and-7, which is kind of crazy,” Sherman said.
Or whether he is surprised with the success of the Seahawks, which have overcome several key losses to remain in the playoff hunt.
“Not really,” Sherman said. “They are 6-5. It’s not like they are 8-1 or 12-1. If they were that, I would be very surprised. Kind of middle of the road.”
By the conciseness of Sherman’s responses, it’s obvious he is not saying everything. Maybe his refusal to credit the Seahawks is a way of instilling confidence in his young 49ers teammates that the Seahawks are beatable.
Yet it’s clear Sherman has not fully moved past his release and the way it went down. He does not sugarcoat that part.
“You just expect that after you have done so much for a franchise, they wouldn’t cut you when you are hurt,” Sherman said. “It’s kind of more of a respect thing than anything. But they did, so you have to roll with the business.”
Sherman suffered the first major injury of his career when he tore his Achilles last November. He was about midway through the rehab stages when the Seahawks released him in early March. He felt disrespected, particularly after the Seahawks had stuck by other injured players and aging veterans, from Earl Thomas to Jimmy Graham, in previous years. Sherman played 105 straight games, earned four Pro Bowl appearances, helped lead the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl, and anchored one of the most feared defenses of all-time during his seven years with the organization.
He may not admit to treating the upcoming game differently, but it will undoubtedly evoke plenty of memories and emotions, both of past glory and unfulfilled future seasons.
“I think once it’s all set and done, and everybody that’s playing is done playing,” Sherman said, “I think people will be more disappointed in what could have been with such a talented group of players.”