By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND – Brock Huard’s 26-year stay in Washington is over, and now the native of this state will play for a team that has seen his potential up close.
Huard, who was born and raised in Puyallup before playing quarterback at the University of Washington and for three years with the Seattle Seahawks, was traded to the Indianapolis Colts on Friday for a fifth-round pick in today’s NFL draft.
Huard’s best professional game came against the Colts during the 2000 season, when he threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-24 loss at Husky Stadium. Huard started four games in 2000, but a concussion and bruised kidney derailed his chances of earning the position on a long-term basis. By the start of the 2001 season, he had fallen to third on the Seahawks’ depth chart behind Matt Hasselbeck and Trent Dilfer.
Huard, 26, played in six games for the Seahawks, including the four starts. He completed 58 of 104 passes for 667 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
A 1999 third-round draft pick by the Seahawks, Huard holds UW records in passing yards for a season (5,742) and touchdown passes (51).
With Hasselbeck and Dilfer returning this season, Huard had little chance of seeing any playing time, so coach Mike Holmgren sent him to a team where he has a chance to be the No. 2 quarterback. Huard will battle Cory Sauter for the right to back up Peyton Manning in Indianapolis.
“I’ve enjoyed my time in Seattle, but now it’s time to move on,” Huard told the News Tribune of Tacoma on Friday. “This is a great opportunity.”
Colts spokesman Craig Kelley confirmed the trade Friday afternoon, saying the Seahawks had acquired the 146th overall pick in today’s draft for Huard.
A restricted free agent after last season, Huard recently signed a one-year tender with the Seahawks and will be eligible for free agency after the 2002 season.
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