Sinclair says this could be end for him in Seattle

  • Scott M. Johnson / Herald Writer
  • Sunday, January 6, 2002 9:00pm
  • Sports

By Scott M. Johnson

Herald Writer

SEATTLE – Michael Sinclair is supposed to be one of the fortunate ones. With four years remaining on a contract that could eventually pay him another $17 million, he’s supposed to be one of the Seattle Seahawks who knows he’ll be back next season.

But in the NFL, it’s never that simple. Nothing is guaranteed – most notably the contracts. So Sinclair realizes that Sunday could have been his last game as a member of the Seahawks.

If that’s the case, he went out in style. Seattle’s 32-year-old defensive end was in on 1 1/2sacks, marking the first time he has officially sacked a quarterback since Oct. 14. It also marked the first time he’s had multiple sacks in a game since Dec. 26, 1999 – a span of 32 games.

“If I’m going to go out, I’m going to go out playing hard,” the 11-year veteran said. “I just left it all out there. I flew around, had some fun, made some plays.”

Making plays hasn’t been one of Sinclair’s best qualities lately. After posting an NFL-high 16.5 sacks in 1998, he’s been held to a total of 12 over the past three seasons. Age could certainly be a factor, but a diagnosis of diabetes prior to the 1999 season could also be a factor.

“I’m sure it’s been really rough on him,” teammate Chad Brown said. “He was one of the league’s leading sackers over a three- or four-year period of time, and then …

“I’m not sure if it’s the diabetes or what, but when you’re not able to do the things you used to be able to do, that’s got to be tough.”

Sinclair was in good spirits after his latest performance, but he wasn’t entirely caught in the present. He knows that his future is uncertain in Seattle.

“Who knows?” Sinclair said. “I understand that I’m an older player. I can’t come around the corner like I used to. I understand that. I’m just playing the way Mike can play. Am I fearful? No. I’ve had a good career in Seattle. Who would have guessed a guy from Eastern New Mexico would have made it this far? I wouldn’t be offended. I’ll just thank guys.”

Among the other players possibly playing their final game with the Seahawks were free agents Trent Dilfer, Mack Strong, Christian Fauria and Todd Weiner. Left tackle Walter Jones is also a free agent, but the team has started taking steps toward signing him to a long-term deal.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district playoff clash.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Balanced scoring attack leads Gonzaga

Zags take over second place in WCC with 88-77 win over USF.

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Terrace, Monroe girls advance in district hoops tournament.

Kimberly Beard, a Mukilteo resident who attends King's High School, prepares to release a throw during the 20-pound weight competition at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard wins throwing event

The King’s High School junior won the 20-pound weight throw at a George Fox indoor meet.

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.