Fresh off their Super Bowl 60 triumph, Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider swiftly transitions from victory celebrations to the rigorous demands of the NFL Scouting Combine and impending free agency. While acknowledging the well-deserved accolades from his peers, Schneider maintains a laser-like focus on the future, underscoring an 'instant reset' approach to team building. He also clarified a lighthearted comment made during the victory parade regarding contract talks with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, reaffirming the organization's strong desire to secure Walker's long-term presence with the team despite the complexities of the current running back market.
Seahawks General Manager Pivots from Super Bowl Glory to Crucial Offseason Preparations
In the vibrant city of Indianapolis, just a fortnight after the Seattle Seahawks secured a decisive victory in Super Bowl 60, General Manager John Schneider has immersed himself in the strategic hustle of the NFL Scouting Combine. Speaking to USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Schneider described the shift as an “instant reset,” highlighting the relentless nature of the NFL calendar. He shared that he had only a single day off, February 22, spent with his wife, Traci, before journeying to the heart of the NFL's offseason activities. The team’s focus has rapidly moved to evaluating prospective draft talent and strategizing for the free agency period, which is set to commence on March 11.
Schneider recounted the immediate pivot post-Super Bowl, noting, “The week after the Super Bowl, we were in draft meetings.” He humorously contrasted the sunny California Super Bowl locale with the demanding environment of the draft room. He commended his dedicated staff, including Assistant GM Nolan Teasley, VP of Player Acquisition Matt Berry, VP of Player Personnel Trent Kirchner, and College Scouting Director Aaron Hineline, for their exceptional work in laying the groundwork for the upcoming season. Schneider admitted that his primary task now is to catch up on the extensive preparations already underway.
A notable moment from the Seahawks' victory parade in Seattle, held the Wednesday after the Super Bowl, involved Schneider making a jest about negotiating with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. His public comment, “He tried negotiating with me five minutes ago,” quickly went viral and was met with a swift, playful rebuttal from Walker on Instagram. Addressing the media at the combine on February 24, Schneider walked back his remarks, attributing them to nerves during the public celebration. He emphasized the team's strong desire to retain Walker, who earned the Super Bowl MVP title with an impressive 135 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards, a feat not achieved by a running back since Terrell Davis in 1998. The GM recalled a heartfelt exchange with Walker in the final moments of their 29-13 victory, where he predicted Walker's MVP status. Despite the challenges of the running back market, Schneider expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Walker's new agent, David Canter, stating, “We’d love to keep him.” These impending negotiations, along with potential deals for other key players like Rashid Shaheed, Boye Mafe, Riq Woolen, and Josh Jobe, underscore the complex but exhilarating challenges that champions face in their pursuit of continued excellence.
This candid glimpse into the demanding life of an NFL general manager reveals the relentless cycle of preparation and strategic planning that underpins sustained success in professional sports. It highlights that even after achieving the pinnacle of their sport, the work never truly stops. The 'instant reset' mentality shared by John Schneider serves as a powerful reminder that past victories are merely springboards for future endeavors. It emphasizes the importance of continuous evaluation, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to improvement, not just on the field, but in every facet of organizational management. For any leader, this demonstrates that celebrating achievements is important, but true leadership lies in the swift and focused transition to the next challenge, ensuring that the foundation for future triumphs is always being laid.