IRKLAND – As return man Nate Burleson addressed a throng of media at his Qwest Field locker following Monday night’s win over the Green Bay Packers, one of his teammates sat nearby and whispered words of advice.
“D.J. Hackett, D.J. Hackett,” wide receiver D.J. Hackett offered without looking up from tying his shoes. “Tell them about D.J. Hackett.”
The playful locker room banter is pretty typical for any NFL team, especially after a nationally-televised victory. What made this different was that it came from a voice that has rarely been heard during the past three years.
“He’s a little bit more talkative now,” wide receiver Darrell Jackson said. “He got some catches under his belt last year, so he’s feeling like he’s fitting in with the team and doing his part for the team.
“Anytime you can do your part and hold your weight, you feel better about yourself and can let yourself be more free.”
Hackett’s transformation has extended beyond the locker room and out onto the field. He’s quietly gone from a raw, quiet rookie to a popular, productive veteran during his three years with the Seahawks.
“I’m definitely more comfortable,” Hackett said this week. “Each year, especially in the same system, you’re going to get more comfortable.”
That Hackett is having a breakout year is as unlikely as a guy going from Cal State Northridge to the NFL (which Hackett did, with a brief stop at the University of Colorado along the way). The offseason addition of Burleson put his chances of making the team in question, and the September trade for Deion Branch basically dropped Hackett to fifth on a five-man depth chart.
But Hackett kept his head high, made the team and eventually started seeing limited playing time. When teammate Bobby Engram was sidelined by a thyroid condition eight weeks ago, it was Hackett – not Burleson – who was handed his position as the No. 3 receiver.
“It’s a credit to him,” receivers coach Nolan Cromwell said. “He’s pushing forward. When his opportunity came up because of Bobby’s illness, he’s done very well with it.”
Hackett is playing the slot position, which is between the tight end and flanker, for the first time at any level. But he’s already caught 25 passes, three behind his previous career total, and had a team-best five receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown in Monday’s win over Green Bay.
“You do what you do to get on the field,” Hackett said of playing slot receiver. “If they say play wherever, I’m playing.”
The additions of Burleson and Branch have brought out the best in Hackett, both as a player and a teammate. He’s hit it off with both veterans, so much so that he’s been more vocal at practice and in team meetings.
“The more playing time you get, the more confidence you get. And he’s showing that,” backup quarterback Seneca Wallace said. “He’s got that swagger now. He’s out there making plays for us. He’s really been playing well for us.”
Hackett has embraced both of his new teammates, pushing aside the possibility of lost playing time for the good of the team.
“There’s no jealousy on this team or anything like that,” Hackett said. “We want everyone to know what they’re doing, and whatever happens after that is however it goes.”
Hackett shrugs off the quirk of fate that comes from having his best season after the team signed off on $88 million in contracts to Branch and Burleson.
“At first, you’re like, ‘What are they doing bringing in all these guys?’” said Hackett, who is slated to make a relatively miniscule $385,000 this season. “But when you start thinking about that, you’re not thinking about what you need to do on the field and you start messing up.”
Hackett hasn’t let himself get down, and his perseverance has paid off.
“It’s faith,” he said. “I believe that I’m here for a reason, and that things are going to work out in the end for me – otherwise I wouldn’t have been placed here.”
Things sure have worked out well lately, as the quiet receiver is starting to make some noise around the league.
“I definitely think that people underestimate him,” said safety Michael Boulware, Hackett’s roommate on road trips. “But going against him (in practice), I know that he’s a big-time player. He’s got great speed, great size and great hands. That’s a great combination for any receiver.
“He’s very dangerous. If people haven’t taken notice of him yet, it won’t be long before they start game-planning him – along with the other guys.”
Notes: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck practiced with a glove on his left hand again Thursday. For the second consecutive day, Hasselbeck did not take any direct snaps from center. Chris Spencer handed him the ball before the beginning of each snap count. Despite the injury, Hasselbeck is still expected to start in Sunday’s game at Denver. … Wide receiver Darrell Jackson (foot) was among seven injured players who did not practice Thursday. “I’m not worried,” he said of his availability for Sunday’s game. “I’m going to be there.” … Also missing practice were tight end Itula Mili (concussion), right tackle Sean Locklear (ankle), center Robbie Tobeck (hip), defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (foot), linebacker D.D. Lewis (toe) and cornerback Kelly Herndon (toe). … Bernard was the subject of a little razzing Thursday when his teammates threw his jersey over an exercise ball, added crutches to simulate his skinny legs, and put it in his locker. Bernard returned from the shower and laughed along with the dozen teammates who were crowded around.
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