After much talk over the past few months, Walter Jones officially hung up his helmet for good today.
Jones, a first-round selection by Seattle in 1997, spent thirteen years playing for the Seahawks in which nine of those seasons resulted in Pro Bowl appearances.
Per Seahawks.com’s Clare Farnsworth, Seattle will retire Jones’ number 71 jersey, making him only the second Seahawk to be award the honor. The other, wide receiver and Hall of Famer Steve Largent.
Replacing Jones at left tackle for Seattle is rookie Russell Okung. The team spent its first of two first-round selections to select Okung, a former Oklahoma State Cowboy, sixth overall in the 2010 N.F.L. Draft. Head coach Pete Carroll has already publicly said that Okung will be the team’s starter at left tackle from day one.
NOTES
-Seattle announced Thursday the release of punter Tom Malone and corner back DeAngelo Willingham, while agreeing to terms with long snapper Matt Overton and safety Quinton Teal.
-The Seahawks have a three-day minicamp starting Friday. Rookies and veterans will be in attendance. Unlike the one that took place April 13-15, this week’s minicamp is mandatory.