Seahawks’ Irvin glad to be back

RENTON — Bruce Irvin didn’t need a word to answer the question.

Asked how it felt to be back with the Seahawks, the second-year linebacker flashed a huge grin and held the look for a few seconds, making sure he got the point across.

“My smile explains everything,” he said.

Irvin, Seattle’s first-round pick last year who led all NFL rookies with eight sacks, is back with the team after serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs.

“It feels great,” Irvin said. “It was tough watching these guys for four weeks, but I paid my debt to society and now it’s time to get back to work.

“Words can’t explain how tough it was. Watching these guys battle each and every week. I know they’re competing in practice, and I’m just waking up watching SportsCenter, getting a good night’s sleep, waking up at 11:30 to go work out, these guys are waking up at 6 in the morning. It was hard, but I made the best out of the situation, I got through it, and now I’m back.”

While suspended, Irvin spent his time working out at West Virginia University. Irvin, who donated $100,000 to his former school to help with the construction of a new weight room, joked that he ought to go back there to take advantage of that donation. In addition to staying in shape, he also tried to pass on some on- and off-field advice to players.

“I tried to coach them up and give as much advice as I can,” Irvin said. “Try to make them see I’m not there because I’m supposed to be there, (but because) I’m suspended. I got my work done, stayed off the ESPN ticker, so I think I accomplished what I needed to do.”

Irvin, who played defensive end as a rookie, playing primarily on passing downs, is moving to strongside linebacker this year. And while the new position requires some different responsibilities, Irvin still will spend much of his time as a pass rusher, adding to an already impressive group that includes Chris Clemons, Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and O’Brien Schofield.

“It’s great to have Bruce back,” Avril said. “He’s such an athlete. It’s going to be interesting to see where they put him as far as the pass rush, but it’s definitely going to be a race to the quarterback.

“We’re definitely happy to add another pass rusher to everything. If you double-team one person, it leaves three other good pass rushers to get after the quarterback. It’s good to have him back. … He’s the fastest out of all of us, so it’s going to be pretty cool to add that.”

Malcolm Smith has been the starting strongside linebacker thus far this season, and though Pete Carroll didn’t say what Irvin’s role will be right off the bat, linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. made it clear they plan to get Irvin involved this week.

“Absolutely,” said Norton, who used the words “excited” or “exciting” 13 times in less than three minutes of discussing Irvin’s return. “That’s Bruce Irvin, are you kidding me? He’s a first-round pick, that guy does everything.

“When you look up the picture of a linebacker, his face shows up. We’re really excited, he’s going to do it all. He’s going to be rushing the passer, he’s going to be playing the run, he’s going to be buzzing to the flats, he’s going to be flying around. … We’re really excited to have him, and you’re going to see what we’ve been missing come Sunday.”

Irvin, whose suspension was reportedly the result of a positive test for Adderall, has expressed remorse several times for letting his team down, and said as much as it hurt to be absent, he tried to use his suspension as a chance to better himself.

“This was more about me learning from this experience and growing and becoming a better person on and off the field,” Irvin said.

“I’m itching right now. I’ve been itching, in a good way, for three, four weeks. I’m just going to keep my nose clean from here on out and just play football.”

Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.