The Richard Sherman Podcast at Seahawks Camp: "This Team is Different"

Date: August 16, 2025
Host: Richard Sherman
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd / The Richard Sherman Podcast
Featured Guests: Sam Darnold (Seahawks QB), Cooper Kupp (WR), Tariq Woolen (CB), Mike Macdonald (Head Coach, Seahawks)

Episode Overview

This wide-ranging, in-depth episode records Richard Sherman at the Seattle Seahawks' training camp and features candid conversations with the team's quarterback Sam Darnold, star receiver Cooper Kupp, rising defensive back Tariq Woolen, and head coach Mike Macdonald. With each guest, Sherman explores their personal journeys, lessons learned through adversity, and the culture shift underway in Seattle. The recurring theme: resilience, adaptation, and a new, collaborative spirit among the Seahawks under fresh leadership and revamped systems. The episode offers NFL fans rare, introspective perspectives on gameday pressures, coaching evolution, off-field motivations, and how organizational philosophies shape success.

Key Discussions & Insights

1. Sam Darnold: The Quarterback’s Odyssey

[01:50 – 19:38]

Early Adversity, Family, and Mindset

• Darnold reflects on his journey from high school stardom to the NFL, acknowledging the impact of family and friends on remaining grounded.
  • Quote: "No matter what happens on the field, off the field, life goes on. As long as you have great effort and a great attitude, that can take you a long way." – Sam Darnold [02:27]
• The value of a tight support circle, maintaining gratitude amid adversity, and learning from every stop and setback in his career.

Draft Day and Early NFL Experience

• Shares memories of draft night, celebrating with family and fellow draftees, and the whirlwind that followed.
  • "It was a once in a lifetime experience... I probably got an hour or two of sleep and was out to New York for that first press conference." – Sam Darnold [04:39]
• Sherman and Darnold recount the chaos and “what ifs” of the Carolina stint, including injuries, QB battles, and near-miss playoff runs.
  • "Who knows what happens if I win that game and win the next one, we go to the playoffs... life is just crazy that way." – Sam Darnold [07:01]

Learning from San Francisco

• Darnold describes learning under Kyle Shanahan, bonding over the system’s quarterback-friendliness, and witnessing the team’s elite work ethic.
  • Sherm jokes: "They think [Nick] Bosa's legs just got that way? No, it's not."
• Notable moment: The structure and inclusivity of Shanahan’s meetings, teaching the whole team concepts together [10:37].

Minnesota Renaissance & Coming to Seattle

• Darnold recollects a magical 14-win season with Kevin O’Connell and how the system’s nuances helped him mature and speed up his decision-making.
• Discusses the move to Seattle, noting the importance of the Kubiak connection and excitement over the Seahawks' young, talented offensive pieces.
  • "You could see the writing on the wall a little bit [after the Geno trade]."
• Enthusiastic about the offensive line's improvement and the potential of running backs Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III:
  • "Having that run game as an identity, and then just building off of it every week... K9 and Charbonnet have been amazing." – Sam Darnold [16:30]
• On maturity: "Earlier in my career, I'm not sure I would've taken that checkdown for 13 yards." [17:47]
• Attributes leadership and command to system familiarity and off-season reps with pass-catchers.

2. Cooper Kupp: Homecoming and Mastery

[22:10 – 40:06]

Roots, Family, and the Triple Crown

• Kupp opens up about returning to Washington state, balancing life/family transitions with football responsibilities.
• Details the “brick by brick” mindset behind his unheralded ascent from small school receiver to winning the receiving Triple Crown:
  • "It's not sudden. Just stacking bricks, small gains over a long time... You just have to be ready for the moment when it's presented." – Cooper Kupp [23:06]
• Explores complexities of moving his family and redefining “home”, prioritizing fatherhood/husband responsibilities over public accolades.
• On his marriage: the importance of having “the pillars of life” aligned, being intentional about communication and not shying from hard conversations.
  • "All the growth has happened through the very difficult things and the reconvening, the coming together at the end of it." [29:04]

Fatherhood and Breaking Expectations

• Discusses naming his son “Cooper,” navigating being a public figure’s child, and fostering a pressure-free childhood:
  • "The things the world says are important—a lot of times that's not the important thing... I want you to find something you love and go for it." [32:26]

Changes in the Seahawks Offense

• Kupp, regarded as a system “master,” gives insights on the evolution and divergence of the McVay/Shanahan coaching tree (Kubiak, O’Connell, etc.) and how Seattle’s current scheme fuses various branches.
  • "It's awesome to see how all these things have grown and changed through the years, and I get to be a little part of all of it." [34:44]
• Kupp’s veteran input on adapting to ever-shifting NFL defenses, and playing a collaborative role with the staff:
  • “Coaches here aren’t afraid to ask why... and they’re not afraid to have those discussions.” [37:03]

Team Identity & Fan Expectations

• On expectations:
  • "I won't make any predictions, but the respect I have for the way guys go about their business... those small edges, those little five-minute conversations—over time, they stack up." [39:18]

3. Tariq Woolen: Cornerback Growth & Defensive Swagger

[42:25 – 57:28]

Mental Game, Offseason, and Grounding

• Woolen credits his off-season growth to focusing on mental health, family, unique training, and remembering his Texas roots.
  • "Just my mentality each season gets better, hearing different things and canceling out distractions... protect it and make sure I'm the best version of myself." – Tariq Woolen [42:47]

Receiver to Corner & Inspirations

• Candidly shares how he switched to DB in college after less time at receiver, initially resisting but ultimately thriving:
  • "Coach was like, 'Just try it one time at practice today...'" [46:48]
• Studied tall corners like Sherman and Jalen Ramsey:
  • "Y’all were the first two guys I was watching, 'cause y’all were taller, y’all played ball real well." [48:51]

Rookie Impact and Confidence

• Walks through his breakout rookie campaign, rapid learning curve, and the thrill of early success (notably, a blocked kick TD and multiple picks):
  • "My favorite play will always be blocking the field goal vs. the 49ers, my first play in the league." [50:03]

Scheme Adjustments & System Comfort

• On Mike Macdonald's defense:
  • "Second year in the defense, guys more comfortable... I like how we play things, especially the mix and matches of different coverages and fronts." [50:58]
• Notes the advantages and differences playing more match-man and split safety concepts.

Competition & Self-Motivation

• Addressed media narratives (e.g., rookie class comparisons with Sauce Gardner):
  • "I just gotta beat Tariq Woolen. If I'm the best version of myself, I don't think anybody can beat me." [55:21]
• Relishes his status as the fastest >6’ corner ever and is eager for an NFL "fastest man" challenge.

4. Mike Macdonald: Vision and Leadership for a New Era

[59:55 – 79:56]

Coaching Journey & Inspirations

• Macdonald’s unconventional path: passing on a finance career for a Ravens coaching internship, inspired by a calling and early NFL mentors.
  • Credits a formative visit with Dan Quinn in Seattle for shaping his vision of positive, player-centered culture:
    • "Just walking through the door the first time, it felt so much different... one of those core memories you have as a coach." [61:17]
• Emphasizes being influenced by the likes of both Harbaughs, Ozzie Newsome, Steve Spagnuolo, and others, picking up authentic lessons from each.

Adaptability & Cultural Shift

• Describes his philosophy: “old school principles, new school methods” — blending accountability and toughness with an openness to science, analytics, and innovation.
• Emphasizes flexibility:
  • "You have a new team and new individuals every year... we're always trying to pivot." [66:49]
• On learning from a 10-win first season and striving for more, focusing on streamlining the message and building deeper relationships with his players.

Offensive/Defensive Philosophies & “The Seahawk Offense”

• Explains how, in the face of major roster turnover (trading Geno, losing DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett), the organization committed to not being just another branch of the McVay/Shanahan tree but merging elements into its own unique Seahawk identity.
  • "I'm proud to say we have our own offense now... this is Clint [Kubiak's] offense, this is our offense." [69:28]
• On defense, Macdonald views the system as evolutionary, influenced by many, and built for adaptability and simplicity so players can thrive.

Fatherhood & Perspective

• Opens up about becoming a dad and its effect on his life/work balance and sense of purpose:
  • "Now it's like, OK, well, your son's gonna see this at some point. However this goes, he's gonna see how you did what you did. That's always in the back of your mind." [75:17]
• Deep reflections on relentless work, gratitude for opportunity, and old school values passed down from his own family background.

Expectations and Message to Fans

• Emphasizes ignoring preseason rankings, focusing on internal standards:
  • "Let's just focus on us and become the team we say we want to become, and the results will take care of themselves." [78:25]
• "What were the odds last year at this time? Nobody remembers... It doesn't mean anything." [78:56]
• Praises the culture, hard-earned progress throughout camp, and looks ahead with optimism.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Richard Sherman on Perseverance: “That should be everywhere and said to everybody because that’s a lost part of it. People don’t appreciate just the blessing to go out there and compete...” [04:04]
• Sam Darnold on Growth: “Earlier in my career, I’m not sure I would’ve taken that checkdown for 13 yards.” [17:47]
• Cooper Kupp on Readiness: “You just have to be ready for the moment when it’s presented.” [23:06]
• Tariq Woolen on Mental Toughness: “Make sure I protect it and make sure that I’m the best version of myself.” [42:47]
• Mike Macdonald on Culture: “You look at the calendar... almost 10 years to the day from walking into the building to walking in there as head coach.” [62:38]
• Sherman on Football Philosophy: “85% of life is doing what you have to do to get to do the 15% of the things you want to do.” [76:41]

Important Segments (Timestamps)

• Sam Darnold Interview: [01:50 – 19:38]
• Cooper Kupp Interview: [22:10 – 40:06]
• Tariq Woolen Interview: [42:25 – 57:28]
• Mike Macdonald Interview: [59:55 – 79:56]

Episode Tone

Filled with mutual respect, introspection, and optimism, Sherman's warm, direct conversational style brings out vulnerable and insightful moments from each guest, mixing light humor with serious reflection. The episode is both highly informative for football junkies and relatable for anyone interested in stories of perseverance, teamwork, and self-discovery.

Bottom Line

This episode is a must-listen for Seahawks fans and football fans eager for behind-the-scenes insight on the organization's rebuild, culture change, and the personal journeys of key players and coaches. The clear message: This Seahawks team is different—hungry, adaptive, tight-knit—and ready to prove it on the field.