Quenton Nelson said the move to Seattle feels “a little bittersweet” as he begins his first practice with the Seahawks on October 29.
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Seattle Seahawks guard Quenton Nelson described the start of his new chapter with the team as “a little bittersweet” as he held his first practice with the Seahawks on Thursday, October 29 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Nelson spent the previous eight seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, building his NFL career after starring at Notre Dame and becoming a first-round pick. While he said he will miss teammates and people in the Colts organization, he added that he is excited about what comes next in Seattle.
“Formed a lot of great relationships in Indy. Great community there, but definitely excited for this next chapter,” Nelson said. “Being here in Seattle, driving in and then the couple times I’ve played here, it’s a beautiful state, a cool city. All the nature here is sick. Getting to meet some of the guys, everyone’s been super welcoming already and the coaches as well. It’s a family here. The equipment (staff), the trainers, it’s been a great day and a half so far.”
Nelson also said it is “special” to join a Seahawks team that he described as the “defending Super Bowl champs,” adding that he felt honoured that the organization wanted him. He said he is “truly humbled by that.”
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Nelson will remain at his usual spot at left guard, with Grey Zabel shifting from left to right guard. Macdonald said the addition is about bringing in a rare talent and pointed out that Nelson’s arrival is not meant as a comment on the players the Seahawks already had at guard, including Anthony Bradford, who is expected to move to a reserve role.
Macdonald said Nelson’s track record and the fit in Seattle’s locker room were key parts of the decision. He added that two things can be true at the same time: the Seahawks value the players already on the roster, while also recognizing the opportunity to add a high-end offensive guard.
“Obviously, we’re really excited to have the opportunity to acquire Quenton Nelson,” Macdonald said. “John (Schneider) and his team did a great job of making that happen … We’re excited for him to join our squad, join the 12s.”
Macdonald also praised Nelson’s physical style, saying the first thing people think of is “the physicality, the relentless play.” He added that the way Nelson plays on tape reflects “decisive, shocking, relentless” effort.
Defensive tackle Leonard Williams, who played against Nelson last year, called the signing a strong addition. Williams said, “He’s a great player. It’s a great pickup for us. He’s going to help us win games, and he’s also going to bring leadership and experience to our team.”
Williams said what makes Nelson stand out is his effort, adding: “Sometimes you see guys that are very talented kind of take plays off, or not finish at the end, but he’s the type of guy where he’s going to finish to the whistle and play all out on every play.”
Nelson said he has a lot of learning to do as he gets up to speed before Monday night’s game against the Bears. He said he was in the building late Wednesday with centre Jalen Sundell to work on offensive line calls, noting that he and the Seahawks are confident he can be ready because there is enough overlap in the systems. Nelson said it is “a lot of the same stuff, just different terminology,” and that the coaches and Sundell have been helping him with questions as he learns.
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