On a brisk spring morning at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, a new era of Seattle Seahawks football officially took its first breath. As the sun rose over the misty waters of Lake Washington, the Seahawks opened their doors for organized team activities (OTAs), and all eyes were fixed on two fresh faces ready to make an impact: quarterback Jalen Milroe and fullback Robbie Ouzts.
For Milroe, the transfer from Alabama who emerged as one of college football’s most electrifying quarterbacks in 2024, stepping onto an NFL field for the first time wasn’t just the culmination of a journey—it was the beginning of a dream fully realized. Sporting the iconic navy blue and action green uniform, Milroe looked every bit the part of Seattle’s future franchise quarterback. His voice carried authority in the huddle. His footwork was crisp. His spiral—tight and effortless—cut through the spring air as he delivered darts to receivers during 7-on-7 drills.
But perhaps more importantly than what he did with his arm was what he displayed with his leadership. As he barked out calls at the line of scrimmage, made adjustments on the fly, and encouraged his teammates after both successful and failed plays, it became evident that Milroe wasn’t here to be groomed slowly—he was here to compete immediately.
“Jalen brought great energy,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said following the practice. “He’s a natural leader. You can tell the guys gravitate toward him. He’s got a lot to learn, but you see the talent right away. His command of the offense this early is pretty impressive.”
For a player many doubted even just a year ago, that praise isn’t taken lightly.
“It felt great to get out there with the guys,” Milroe said. “New environment, new system, but football is still football. I’m here to learn, lead, and most of all, win. That’s what they brought me here to do.”
Milroe’s path to the NFL was anything but conventional. After struggling to find consistent footing early in his college career, he broke out in a major way in 2024, leading Alabama to the SEC Championship Game with his rare blend of athleticism, poise, and a deep ball that became his signature weapon. His ability to escape pressure and turn broken plays into highlight reels quickly made him a fan favorite—and ultimately caught the attention of Seahawks GM John Schneider, who selected Milroe in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, betting on upside and electricity.
“He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” Schneider said on draft night. “Guys like that can change games in an instant.”
Still, Milroe knows the jump to the pros will require refinement, discipline, and growth.
“I’m working every day to get better,” Milroe said. “There’s a lot thrown at you early—terminology, reads, timing—but I’m locked in. I want to earn the trust of this team.”
That mindset was echoed in his rapport with the Seahawks’ young offensive core, including wideouts Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett, both of whom took reps with Milroe throughout the day. While Milroe and Lockett are still building chemistry, there were flashes of immediate synergy with Smith-Njigba. On one play, Milroe rifled a ball into a tight window on a slant, prompting applause from offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who praised Milroe’s decisiveness and arm strength.
“His release is quicker than I expected,” Smith-Njigba said after practice. “He’s sharp, he’s confident, and he’s already asking good questions in the film room. He’s definitely putting in the work.”
While Milroe commanded the spotlight as a potential face of the franchise, another rookie quietly made a strong impression of his own. Fullback Robbie Ouzts, a former Alabama teammate of Milroe’s, arrived in Seattle with far less fanfare—but not without value. In an era where the fullback position has become increasingly rare, Ouzts represents a throwback with modern versatility.
At 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, Ouzts brings grit, toughness, and a blue-collar work ethic that’s already resonating with Seahawks coaches. During inside run drills, Ouzts delivered several punishing lead blocks, creating daylight for running backs Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. On one particular play, Ouzts chipped a blitzing linebacker, then slipped out into the flat for a check-down, gaining a first down with ease.
“He’s a tone-setter,” said running backs coach Chad Morton. “Every team needs a guy like Robbie—someone who’s willing to do the dirty work. He’s physical, smart, and already has chemistry with Jalen, which helps a lot.”
Ouzts, who went undrafted before signing a free agent deal with Seattle, knows he’s fighting for a roster spot. But he’s embracing the challenge.
“I’m here to prove I belong,” Ouzts said. “I know the odds, but that doesn’t scare me. I’ve always prided myself on doing the little things—blocking, special teams, protection. I’ll do whatever the team needs.”
That humility and toughness have not gone unnoticed by veterans on the team. Tight end Noah Fant, who worked alongside Ouzts in a few jumbo packages, praised the rookie’s maturity and fearlessness.
“He’s not afraid of contact,” Fant said. “You can tell he’s been in a big-time program. He’s physical, he listens, and he doesn’t shy away from anything.”
While the quarterback grabs headlines and the fullback grinds in the trenches, the connection between Milroe and Ouzts could be a foundational piece of Seattle’s offensive identity moving forward. Both men are products of Nick Saban’s Alabama machine. Both carry themselves with quiet confidence and a team-first attitude. And both understand that their NFL journeys are just beginning.
“I’ve known Robbie for a long time,” Milroe said. “We built a bond at Alabama, and it’s awesome to have him here with me. We push each other, hold each other accountable. We’re just trying to help this team in any way we can.”
For Seahawks fans, the sight of a dynamic young quarterback and a throwback-style fullback developing chemistry on Day 1 is something to get excited about. And while it’s only the first practice of many, the foundation being laid in Renton feels promising.
“You don’t win anything in May,” Coach Macdonald cautioned. “But you can start building the right habits, the right culture. And that’s what today was about.”
There will be growing pains. There will be tough moments. But for the Seahawks, who are entering a post-Geno Smith world, these early glimpses of Milroe and Ouzts offer something intangible: hope. A belief that Seattle’s next chapter might not just be a rebuild, but a reawakening.
As the practice wrapped and players jogged back toward the facility, Milroe lingered on the field for a few extra minutes. He took snaps from under center. He worked on his drop-back. He threw passes to team interns. It wasn’t about showmanship—it was about obsession. Growth. Precision.
“I love the grind,” he said. “This is just the start. I know where I want to go. And I’m going to work every day to get there.”
Seattle has always been a city that embraces change. From the days of Jim Zorn to Russell Wilson to now, the quarterback position has been central to the franchise’s identity. With Jalen Milroe now in the fold, the Seahawks are hoping lightning can strike once again.
And with Robbie Ouzts lining up in front of him, clearing paths and setting tones, maybe—just maybe—this new duo can help lead the Seahawks back to the promised land.
One practice down. A season full of opportunity ahead.
Are you excited for this new era in Seattle?