Thu Dec 25 23:30:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seahawks Soar to Super Bowl Contender Status, Six Named to Pro Bowl, but Murphy Snub Sparks Controversy

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Seahawks, entering the 2025 NFL season as an underestimated force, have surged to prominence, now considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The team’s impressive turnaround is largely attributed to the front office’s strategic roster construction over the past few seasons.

On Tuesday, the NFL announced its Pro Bowl selections, with six Seahawks players earning the prestigious honor: quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Nijba, defensive tackle Leonard Williams, outside linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and kick returner Rashid Shaheed. Safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Ernest Jones IV, fullback Robbie Ouzta, and fullback/special teams star Brady Russell have been named as alternates.

However, the selections were not without controversy. Second-year defensive standout Byron Murphy was shockingly omitted from the Pro Bowl roster, despite a stellar season. In 15 games, Murphy has amassed 57 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 12 quarterback hits, while also contributing significantly to the Seahawks’ dominant defense. The Seahawks currently rank second in the league in points allowed per game (18.6) and third in rushing yards allowed per game (94.1).

“He’s one of the biggest reasons why the Seahawks possess one of the most efficient defenses in the league,” said Michael Hanich of Sports Illustrated. “There shouldn’t be a reason that Murphy was even left out of the Pro Bowl as an alternate as well. Not a lot of players, overall, are performing better than Murphy regardless of position. This might be one of the biggest Pro Bowl snubs in league history.”

Murphy’s impressive performance has often seen him double-teamed, yet he consistently penetrates the offensive backfield, disrupting plays with speed and power. Critics argue that Murphy’s statistics and impact far surpass those of some selected players, including Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Carter and even his own teammate, Leonard Williams.

While Williams has contributed, his numbers pale in comparison to Murphy’s, and his impact hasn’t always translated to team success. Carter has been effective against the run, but his overall production falls short of Murphy’s.

The Seahawks look to finish the regular season strong and head into the playoffs with a Super Bowl mindset. The Pro Bowl controversy surrounding Murphy’s exclusion adds another layer of motivation for this surging Seattle team.

About the Author: Michael Hanich is a sports journalist with experience across print, digital, and television. He is currently a producer and reporter for WKRG News 5 in Mobile, Alabama, and has covered Alabama football, Auburn football and basketball, and various college and pro teams for Gulf Coast Media and YardBarker.

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