Teammates and coaches use one word to describe
Earl Thomas: Intensity. Seahawks defensive coordinator
Dan Quinn compares Thomas’s intensity in practice to that of legendary Hall of Fame linebacker
Junior Seau whom he coached with the Miami Dolphins in 2005. Seattle head coach
Pete Carroll says, “Earl is as serious a competitor as you could ever hope to be around.” Seahawks receiver
Doug Baldwin adds, “Not only is he a phenomenal player … He’s one of those guys who’s fiery. He’s chippy [and] passionate about the game of football in a way that I have never really seen anybody be. The way he approaches the game, the practice, the meeting rooms – it’s top-notch. It’s second to none.”
Thomas is the emotional leader of the Seahawks’ talented secondary, better known as the “Legion of Boom” (
video link). In addition to Thomas, the unit includes two other All-Pros: cornerback
Richard Sherman, its best-known and loudest face, and
Kam Chancellor, Seattle’s hard-hitting strong safety. Thomas himself has made two All-Pro teams in 2012 & 2013 as well; per
Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he’s ranked in the top five amongst free safeties in two of the last three seasons.
