Career Timeline of Richard Seymour: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2025

How Richard Seymour built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Richard Seymour is a former American professional football player who played as a defensive end in the NFL. He was drafted sixth overall by the New England Patriots in 2001 after playing college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. He spent several successful seasons with the Patriots before finishing his career with the Oakland Raiders. Seymour was a dominant defensive player known for his size, strength, and skill, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and contributing to Patriots' Super Bowl victories.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: Freshman Year

During his 1997 freshman year, Seymour appeared in nine games and recorded two tackles and one quarterback pressure.

1997: College Football at University of Georgia

In 1997, Richard Seymour began playing college football for the Georgia Bulldogs at the University of Georgia.

1998: Sophomore Year

In 1998 during his sophomore year, Richard Seymour appeared in every game making 4 starts and finishing with 69 tackles.

1999: Team Leader and SEC Defensive Player of the Week

In 1999, as a junior, Richard Seymour started all 11 games and led the team with 74 tackles. He was also named SEC defensive player of the week for his performance against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

2000: Final Year at University of Georgia

In 2000, Richard Seymour concluded his college football career at the University of Georgia. He was part of a defensive line with multiple future NFL draft picks.

July 24, 2001: Signed with New England Patriots

On July 24, 2001, Richard Seymour signed a six-year, $14.3 million contract with the New England Patriots.

2001: Drafted by New England Patriots

In 2001, Richard Seymour was drafted sixth overall by the New England Patriots in the NFL draft after playing college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. He became a defensive end for the team.

April 2006: Contract Extension

In April 2006, Richard Seymour signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with the Patriots, keeping him with the team through the 2009 season.

September 6, 2009: Traded to Oakland Raiders

On September 6, 2009, Richard Seymour was traded by the Patriots to the Oakland Raiders for a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft. He was reportedly unhappy about being traded to the team.

2009: Reports to Raiders and Plays Season

Richard Seymour reported to the Raiders on September 12, 2009, and started all 16 games of the season, recording 47 tackles and four sacks.

2009: End of Contract Extension

The contract extension signed in 2006 kept Richard Seymour with the Patriots through the 2009 season.

February 24, 2010: Franchise Tag

On February 24, 2010, the Raiders gave Richard Seymour the franchise tag.

June 19, 2010: Signs One-Year Deal

On June 19, 2010, Richard Seymour signed a one-year deal with the Raiders worth $12.4 million.

February 17, 2011: Contract Extension with Raiders

On February 17, 2011, Richard Seymour agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract extension with the Raiders, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.

February 8, 2013: Contract Voided

On February 8, 2013, the Raiders voided the rest of Richard Seymour's contract, making him a free agent due to a lack of playing time in 2012 because of an injury.