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.
1997: Freshman Year
During his 1997 freshman year, Seymour appeared in nine games and recorded two tackles and one quarterback pressure.
Share
1997: College Football at University of Georgia
In 1997, Richard Seymour began playing college football for the Georgia Bulldogs at the University of Georgia.
Share
1998: Sophomore Year
In 1998 during his sophomore year, Richard Seymour appeared in every game making 4 starts and finishing with 69 tackles.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
2009: End of Contract Extension
The contract extension signed in 2006 kept Richard Seymour with the Patriots through the 2009 season.
Share
February 24, 2010: Franchise Tag
On February 24, 2010, the Raiders gave Richard Seymour the franchise tag.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
2011: Draft Pick Used
In 2011, the Patriots used the first-round draft pick they received from the Raiders in the 2009 trade for Richard Seymour to select Nate Solder.
Share
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.
Share