Walter Jones’ career is a bridge between the Seahawks’ past and present.
The No. 6 overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, Jones joined the Seahawks when they played in the Kingdome and were members of the AFC.
Eventually, the Seahawks moved to new digs, changed their uniforms and became an NFC West power. And as the Seahawks started their rise, Jones was one of their constants — a standout left tackle. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Jones was a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s. His entire 12-season career was spent with the Seahawks, for whom he started 180 games from 1997 through 2008.
Early in Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech Saturday, Jones paid his respect to the other Seahawks enshrined in Canton.
“It is an honor to join Steve Largent and Cortez Kennedy as the third player to represent the Seahawks franchise and the 12th Man,” Jones said.
Later, Jones mentioned how Kenny Easley, the Seahawks’ former star safety, merited enshrinement in the Hall. He even went as far as to thank the current Seahawks organization for making him feel at home whenever he returned to visit.
For years, Jones made everyone better around him on the field. On Saturday night, one of the best left tackles of all time made so many connected to him feel a little bit better about themselves.