Becky's Seahawk Family Album

If Becky can wonder why a Kansas Rose loves the Seahawks, what would you say about an Australian?

Australia hasn't exactly been rich ground for the NFL, with a small but enthusiastic competition wedged between the powers of Australian Rules Football, Rugby League, Rugby Union and soccer. American Football has been televised here for almost a decade, but it still hasn't caught on in big ratings numbers.

Its main image here is still a flashy and made-for-TV mix of many things that run against Australian football traditions. Although the helmets and padding are usually targeted as proof that it's a soft game for cowards, the sport has deeper problems winning acceptance from a public used to non-stop play from players who stay on the field for the whole 80 or 90 minutes of a game. American Football's frequent stoppages and specialisation are a cultural problem here.

(Take Darren Bennett, who spent years here playing one of the toughest full-contact positions in Australian Rules Football. Now he's a media event for laying a single tackle in a year - and even then the Chargers would prefer that he hadn't done it!)

But I believe in diversity, and I can find so much in American Football, as well as my beloved Richmond Tigers (Aussie Rules) and North Sydney Bears (Rugby League). And I found the Seahawks.

My link is Chuck Knox, via some sad but funny Australian media ignorance. He visited Australia in the 1970s at the invitation of a local football club that wanted to share ideas and learn about American ways of training and management. He was happy to help, friendly, polite ...

... and bombarded with questions about what it was like to coach the Steelers.

Knox ... Noll ... easy to mix them up, isn't it?!

I was taken by his grace under lousy research; and when American Football came to TV in 1989, there he was in Seattle. And that's where I went.

I'm glad I stayed. Seattle was a club that reminded me very much of an Australian football club. Community based (sorry, Mr Behring, but that still counts), modest, and disciplined under Chuck Knox's values of work and integrity. Behind him came a group of players who also reminded me of Australians rather than the glossy too-perfect images of Montana and Elway and Marino.

Dave Krieg, my favourite player then and now, a fighter who survived his opponents and his critics with equal doses of courage. Any Australian team would welcome him with open arms as a brother. They'd look twice at a showpiece like Montana, for all his ability. He's also the first American Footballer I ever got an autograph from.

Steve Largent, who proved that you could make a role model by being yourself.

Jacob Green, with champion stats and no profile. A man who did his job brilliantly even as he knew he'd never get fair credit for it.

Paul Skansi, who picked his moment at Arrowhead and never remotely looked like letting Krieg down as Dave left Derrick Thomas grasping in the dirt.

Curt Warner, with the most wonderful eyes that always seemed to be saying if you want to stop me you'd better be good enough.

Norm Johnson, cool and relaxed as he drilled another kick.

Tez, asked to be a leader before his time and accepting his role with devastating power and fury.

And so many more who built on the first generation of Seahawks.

It's a team with heart and a team that always makes me want to come back for more. Becky's front page is right - we do have unfinished business, unfinished since 1976.

But there's something deep and real about the Seahawks that makes me want to stay till the business is finished.


Chuck Knox and Me By Leigh, Weston, Australia Want a jersey on this page like the others? Send us your story! Please specify whether you want the throwback jersey or the new style.		Previous \| Next If Becky can wonder why a Kansas Rose loves the Seahawks, what would you say about an Australian? Australia hasn't exactly been rich ground for the NFL, with a small but enthusiastic competition wedged between the powers of Australian Rules Football, Rugby League, Rugby Union and soccer. American Football has been televised here for almost a decade, but it still hasn't caught on in big ratings numbers. Its main image here is still a flashy and made-for-TV mix of many things that run against Australian football traditions. Although the helmets and padding are usually targeted as proof that it's a soft game for cowards, the sport has deeper problems winning acceptance from a public used to non-stop play from players who stay on the field for the whole 80 or 90 minutes of a game. American Football's frequent stoppages and specialisation are a cultural problem here. (Take Darren Bennett, who spent years here playing one of the toughest full-contact positions in Australian Rules Football. Now he's a media event for laying a single tackle in a year - and even then the Chargers would prefer that he hadn't done it!) But I believe in diversity, and I can find so much in American Football, as well as my beloved Richmond Tigers (Aussie Rules) and North Sydney Bears (Rugby League). And I found the Seahawks. My link is Chuck Knox, via some sad but funny Australian media ignorance. He visited Australia in the 1970s at the invitation of a local football club that wanted to share ideas and learn about American ways of training and management. He was happy to help, friendly, polite ... ... and bombarded with questions about what it was like to coach the Steelers. Knox ... Noll ... easy to mix them up, isn't it?! I was taken by his grace under lousy research; and when American Football came to TV in 1989, there he was in Seattle. And that's where I went. I'm glad I stayed. Seattle was a club that reminded me very much of an Australian football club. Community based (sorry, Mr Behring, but that still counts), modest, and disciplined under Chuck Knox's values of work and integrity. Behind him came a group of players who also reminded me of Australians rather than the glossy too-perfect images of Montana and Elway and Marino. Dave Krieg, my favourite player then and now, a fighter who survived his opponents and his critics with equal doses of courage. Any Australian team would welcome him with open arms as a brother. They'd look twice at a showpiece like Montana, for all his ability. He's also the first American Footballer I ever got an autograph from. Steve Largent, who proved that you could make a role model by being yourself. Jacob Green, with champion stats and no profile. A man who did his job brilliantly even as he knew he'd never get fair credit for it. Paul Skansi, who picked his moment at Arrowhead and never remotely looked like letting Krieg down as Dave left Derrick Thomas grasping in the dirt. Curt Warner, with the most wonderful eyes that always seemed to be saying if you want to stop me you'd better be good enough. Norm Johnson, cool and relaxed as he drilled another kick. Tez, asked to be a leader before his time and accepting his role with devastating power and fury. And so many more who built on the first generation of Seahawks. It's a team with heart and a team that always makes me want to come back for more. Becky's front page is right - we do have unfinished business, unfinished since 1976. But there's something deep and real about the Seahawks that makes me want to stay till the business is finished.