Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Richard Sherman (American football)

How Richard Sherman (American football) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Richard Sherman is a former American professional football cornerback renowned as one of the sport's greatest. He played college football at Stanford, transitioning from wide receiver to cornerback. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2011, he achieved remarkable success, including five Pro Bowl selections, five All-Pro honors (three first-team), and leading the NFL in interceptions in 2013. A key player in the Seahawks' defense, Sherman contributed significantly to their Super Bowl victory. His skill, intelligence, and outspoken nature made him a prominent figure in the NFL.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2006: Started at Stanford

In 2006, Richard Sherman began his football career at Stanford University as a wide receiver and led the team in receiving as a freshman.

2010: Finished at Stanford

In 2010, Richard Sherman was part of the Stanford Cardinal team that finished 12-1, a school record.

January 29, 2011: Played in the 2011 Senior Bowl

On January 29, 2011, Richard Sherman participated in the 2011 Senior Bowl, deflecting two passes.

March 17, 2011: Participated at Stanford's Pro Day

On March 17, 2011, Richard Sherman participated at Stanford's pro day, attempting to improve his combine performance.

July 22, 2011: Signed with Seattle Seahawks

On July 22, 2011, Richard Sherman signed a four-year, $2.22 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

October 30, 2011: First Career Start and Interception

On October 30, 2011, Richard Sherman made his first career start and recorded his first career interception against the Cincinnati Bengals.

2011: Drafted by Seattle Seahawks

In 2011, Richard Sherman was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the NFL draft.

January 1, 2012: Recorded Season-High Statistics

On January 1, 2012, Richard Sherman recorded a season-high six solo tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in the Seahawks' game against the Arizona Cardinals.

October 14, 2012: Win Against New England Patriots

On October 14, 2012, Richard Sherman had an interception during a win against the New England Patriots. He taunted Tom Brady and posted a photo on his Twitter account.

November 11, 2012: First Career Sack

On November 11, 2012, Richard Sherman recorded his first career sack during a game against the New York Jets and earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

December 9, 2012: First Career Interception Touchdown

On December 9, 2012, Richard Sherman recorded two interceptions, including one returned for his first career touchdown, during the Seahawks' victory against the Arizona Cardinals.

January 6, 2013: First Career Playoff Game

On January 6, 2013, Richard Sherman started in his first career playoff game as the Seahawks defeated the Washington Redskins in the NFC Wild Card Round.

December 27, 2013: Voted to Pro Bowl

On December 27, 2013, it was announced that Richard Sherman was voted to the 2014 Pro Bowl, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.

2013: Led NFL in Interceptions and Won Super Bowl

In 2013, Richard Sherman led the NFL in interceptions and helped the Seattle Seahawks win their first Super Bowl.

2013: Launch of Blanket Coverage Foundation

In 2013, Richard Sherman started his charity called Blanket Coverage – The Richard Sherman Family Foundation to help children in low-income communities by providing them with school supplies and clothing.

2013: Top Ranked Defense

In 2013, the Legion of Boom, including Richard Sherman, led the Seattle Seahawks to have the top-ranked defense in the league, allowing the fewest passing yards. The team finished first in the NFC West with a 13–3 record and reached the NFC Championship after defeating the New Orleans Saints 23–15 in the NFC Divisional Round.

January 2014: Post-Game Interview and National Attention

In January 2014, Richard Sherman garnered national attention with a post-game interview after the NFC Championship game victory. He labeled himself the "best corner in the game" and called Michael Crabtree a "sorry" receiver.

January 19, 2014: NFC Championship Victory

On January 19, 2014, Richard Sherman contributed two combined tackles and a pass deflection in the NFC Championship Game, helping the Seahawks secure a 23–17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. His deflection of a pass by Colin Kaepernick, intended for Michael Crabtree, was caught by Malcolm Smith, sealing the win.

February 2, 2014: Super Bowl XLVIII Victory

On February 2, 2014, Richard Sherman started in Super Bowl XLVIII and recorded three combined tackles and a pass deflection. Despite suffering a high ankle sprain and spending the fourth quarter on the sidelines, he contributed to Seattle’s dominant 43–8 victory over the Denver Broncos.

May 7, 2014: Contract Extension with Seahawks

On May 7, 2014, Richard Sherman signed a four-year, $56 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, including $40 million guaranteed and an $11 million signing bonus, making him the highest-paid cornerback in league history.

June 6, 2014: Madden 15 Cover Athlete

On June 6, 2014, Richard Sherman was announced as the cover athlete for Madden 15.

November 27, 2014: NFC Defensive Player of the Week

On November 27, 2014, Richard Sherman intercepted two passes by Colin Kaepernick during the Seahawks' 19–3 win against the San Francisco 49ers on Thanksgiving Day. He also made two solo tackles and two pass deflections, earning him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.

2014: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2014, it was announced that Richard Sherman was voted to the 2014 Pro Bowl, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.

January 10, 2015: NFC Divisional Round Victory

On January 10, 2015, Richard Sherman recorded three combined tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted Cam Newton during the Seahawks' 31–17 victory against the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Divisional Round.

February 1, 2015: Super Bowl XLIX Loss

On February 1, 2015, Richard Sherman started in Super Bowl XLIX and made three combined tackles as the Seahawks lost 28–24 to the New England Patriots.

2015: Continued Role as Starting Cornerback

In 2015, Richard Sherman continued as the No. 1 starting cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks. He was voted to the 2016 Pro Bowl for his performance during the 2015 season and recorded 50 combined tackles, 14 pass deflections, and two interceptions.

October 2, 2016: Two Interceptions Against Jets

On October 2, 2016, Richard Sherman recorded five combined tackles, deflected two passes, and intercepted two passes by Jets' quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick during a 27–17 victory at the New York Jets.

December 20, 2016: Selection to 2017 Pro Bowl

On December 20, 2016, Richard Sherman was voted to the 2017 Pro Bowl.

October 29, 2017: Two Interceptions Against Texans

On October 29, 2017, Richard Sherman made four combined tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by quarterback Deshaun Watson during a 41–38 victory against the Houston Texans.

March 7, 2018: Departure from Seahawks Anticipated

On March 7, 2018, it was reported that Richard Sherman did not expect to return to the Seahawks for the 2018 season, and he had spent the previous day saying goodbye to his teammates.

March 9, 2018: Release from Seahawks

Richard Sherman was officially released by the Seattle Seahawks on March 9, 2018.

March 10, 2018: Signing with the 49ers

On March 10, 2018, Richard Sherman agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers, just a day after being released by the Seahawks.

November 28, 2020: Activation from Injured Reserve

Richard Sherman was activated from injured reserve on November 28, 2020.

February 13, 2021: Glacier Boyz First Game

Richard Sherman, as a co-owner of the Glacier Boyz for the Fan Controlled Football league, saw their first game on February 13, 2021.

February 17, 2021: Release from 49ers

On February 17, 2021, Richard Sherman was released from the San Francisco 49ers.

September 29, 2021: Signing with the Buccaneers

On September 29, 2021, Richard Sherman signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers worth $2.25 million.

June 14, 2022: Analyst for Amazon

On June 14, 2022, it was announced that Richard Sherman would become a pregame and postgame analyst for Amazon.

June 5, 2023: Appearance on Stars on Mars

Richard Sherman appeared alongside his former teammate Marshawn Lynch on the FOX show Stars on Mars, which aired on June 5, 2023.

August 2023: Joining Undisputed

In August 2023, it was reported that Richard Sherman would be replacing Shannon Sharpe as Skip Bayless's co-host of the sports debate show Undisputed.