History of Richard Seymour in Timeline

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

October 6, 1979: Richard Seymour's Birth

On October 6, 1979, Richard Vershaun Seymour was born. He later became a professional football player.

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: All-SEC Selection

In 1999, Richard Seymour was selected as a first-team All-Southeastern Conference player.

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.

2000: All-American Selection

In 2000, Richard Seymour was named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and Walter Camp Football Foundation during his senior year.

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.

October 2005: Knee Injury

In October 2005, Richard Seymour suffered a knee injury while playing fullback in a goal line situation. This halted his occasional role as a fullback.

2005: Holdout and Pay Raise

In 2005, Richard Seymour held out of offseason minicamps and training camp seeking a new contract. The Patriots gave him a pay raise to end his holdout.

2005: Recurring Knee Injury

In 2005, Richard Seymour originally injured his knee, an injury he said hampered his conditioning and play during the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

2005: Knee Injury

In 2005, Richard Seymour suffered a left knee injury playing fullback against the San Diego Chargers and missed four games. Despite the injury he was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl and third consecutive All-Pro 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.

November 5, 2006: Fined for Stepping on Tarik Glenn

On November 5, 2006, Richard Seymour was fined $7,500 by the NFL for stepping on Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Tarik Glenn during a game.

2006: Recurring Knee Injury

In 2006, Richard Seymour's knee injury hampered his conditioning and play.

2007: Knee Surgery and Recovery

In 2007, Richard Seymour had surgery on his left knee, causing him to miss training camp, the preseason, and the first six weeks of the regular season. He returned later in the season and played in Super Bowl XLII.

2007: Named to Pro Bowl

Richard Seymour was named to the 2007 Pro Bowl, marking his fifth straight selection, but he did not play due to injury.

2008: Healthier Season

The 2008 season proved to be a much healthier one for Richard Seymour. He started the first 15 games, only to miss the season finale against the Buffalo Bills with a back injury.

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: Dispute with Raiders

Around September 10, 2009, the Raiders sent Richard Seymour a letter ordering him to report within five days or risk being placed on the reserve/left squad list, preventing him from playing in 2009.

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.

2010: Ejection and Pro Bowl Selection

During the 2010 NFL season, Richard Seymour was ejected from a game for punching Ben Roethlisberger and was later fined $25,000. He was also selected to his sixth career Pro Bowl but did not play due to injury.

2010: Contract Implications

The Raiders placing Richard Seymour on the reserve/left squad list in 2009 would prevent him from achieving free agency until he played out his contract in 2010.

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.

2011: NFL Top 100

In 2011, Richard Seymour was ranked 66th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

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.

2012: Injury

Due to an injury, Richard Seymour missed the final eight games of 2012 and was not able to meet the required amount of playing time in order for his contract not to be voided by the Raiders.

2012: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2012, Richard Seymour was one of four Raiders selected to attend the Pro Bowl.

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.

2019: World Series of Poker

In 2019, Richard Seymour participated in the World Series of Poker main event, finishing 131st.

2022: Hall of Fame Induction

In 2022, Richard Seymour was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2023: World Series of Poker

In 2023, Richard Seymour finished 284th in the World Series of Poker main event.

October 2024: Stake in Las Vegas Raiders

In October 2024, Richard Seymour purchased a 0.5% stake in ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders.