On April 24, the Seattle Times declared that Doug Nienhuis was "the runner-up to Mr Irrelevant" after becoming the second-last draft pick in 2005.

At Becky's Place, no Seahawk has EVER been anywhere near close to irrelevant!

So we've decided to take on the job of bringing Doug Nienhuis to the Seahawk World. Let's get to know him and follow him through the pre-season as he tries to make his football dreams come true!

So, who is he?
Age: 23
Pos: OG
Ht: 6-6
Wt: 307
College: Oregon State (majored in photography)
Record Started 38 games
First-team All-Pac-10 selection 2004
OSU Beavers website

What are your hobbies?
Photography, hang out, play video games and play with my cat. I've been playing a lot Halo (the video game).

What's something not many people know about you?
I'm a nice guy. People tell me I've changed their perspective about football players. I'm not the stereotype of people have of football players.

What's your guilty pleasure?
Potato chips. I love just about any type of chip there is. That and Buffalo wings.
gazettetimes.com

What did Oregon State think of him?
Best Offensive Player: Senior OT Doug Nienhuis. All the media focus will be on QB Derek Anderson and WR Mike Haas, but the line will be the strength of the Beaver attack. C Matt Brock, JUCO transfer Chris Miller (if he's as good as advertised) and tackle Doug Nienhuis. The senior has started 26 straight games on the right side and has been the lead blocker for star backs Steven Jackson and Ken Simonton.
College Football News

What does the NFL think of him?
Has good size and a big frame...Strong...Uses his hands well...Can be dominating...Has good balance...Comes off the ball well and with a purpose...Has a lot of experience.
NFL Draft Countdown

Has a very large frame with a thick chest, muscular arms and thick legs... Shows good knee bend and gets off the snap on time, showing the ability to unwind out of his stance...While he plays with a narrow base, he can bend his knees and get good fits... Stays up and on the block, and though not a mauler, or even a finisher, he works to stay in the way...Works well on combos, and is alert to games...Sound pass protector who flashes a strong hand punch...Has enough foot speed to get get an edge on the pass rusher...Has above average athletic ability and good initial quickness to reach or cutoff...
USA Today

What does he think of us?
"I was really hoping to go to Seattle," Nienhuis said. "I really like the Northwest."

Who's he scared of?
OSU right tackle Doug Nienhuis...is six-foot-six and 319 pounds.
And, he says there isn't anyone in the conference who scares him.
KATU.com

Pre-season update
"This definitely has been a pretty interesting little trial to be put into. But I appreciated it and really am thankful for all the extra reps I can get."
Seattle PI

Is he going to make it?
June 21, 2005 - Doug signed his contract with the Seahawks.
August 1, 2005 - Mike Sando with The News Tribune reported that he's playing on the second offensive line.
August 6, 2005 - Mike Sando reported Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson, Robbie Tobeck, Chris Gray, Floyd Womack, Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer as "locks", Ray Willis as "looking safe", Wayne Hunter and Jerry Wunsch as "on the bubble", and Steven Gibbs, William Henry, Andy King, Matt Miller, Doug Nienhuis with "longer odds".
August 30, 2005 - 14 players cut, but so far Doug Nienhuis is safe! Mike Sando reports Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson, Robbie Tobeck, Chris Gray, Floyd Womack, Sean Locklear, Chris Spencer as "locks", Ray Willis, Wayne Hunter as "looking safe", and William Henry, Andy King, Doug Nienhuis as "longer odds".

September 3, 2005 - Doug was waived, but it has been reported that he will be signed to the practice squad when he clears waivers.

September 4, 2005 - SIGNED TO THE PRACTICE SQUAD!!!!

November 1, 2005 - Claimed by the New York Jets from the Seahawks practice squad. Salary goes from $79,000 to $230,000! Not too bad and we wish him lots of luck in New York!!

August 29, 2006 - Still signed with the New York Jets!

2008 Update - Steve played 7 games in 3 years and it appears his NFL career has come to an end. Good luck in your future endeavors, Steve!

As always, your comments are welcome! Send them to me and I'll post them here!