Earl Thomas played a pivotal role in the Seahawks’ success in the 2010s as an original member of the Legion of Boom and one of the league’s best safeties. The first-round pick out of Texas had a sensational rookie year, starting all 16 games and racking up five interceptions, seven passes defensed, a forced fumble and 76 tackles.  

Following that season, Thomas was selected to the Pro Bowl in five consecutive seasons, including also being named to the AP All-Pro team in four of those seasons. Thomas, the Legion of Boom, and the rest of the Seahawks defense would cement themselves in NFL history as one of the best defenses of all time.  

“I can’t think of someone else that would have been better suited for that defense at that time for that position,” Mike Sando of The Athletic said.  

Thomas started 106 consecutive games to start his NFL career, which is the third longest streak in franchise history, trailing only Chris Gray and Russell Wilson. He played nine of his 10 NFL seasons in Seattle, cementing himself as an all-time great defensive back and a crucial piece on the Seahawks’ only Super Bowl championship.  

“I think there’s a great Hall of Fame case for Earl Thomas,” Sando said.  

Thomas finished his Seahawks tenure with 664 tackles, 67 passes defensed, 28 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles. His dominance throughout the 2010s was recognized as he was named a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s. After being named a Pro Bowler in his only season in Baltimore, Thomas retired from the NFL following the 2019 season.