If you’ve been watching the Seahawks make a run at Super Bowl 60, chances are you’ve already seen Rashid Shaheed do something electric. Whether it’s a game-breaking return or a deep shot down the sideline, Shaheed has quickly become one of Seattle’s most dangerous weapons-and he’s doing it all in his first season with the team.
So, who exactly is this guy lighting up the field in the biggest moments of the year? Let’s break it down.
Rashid Shaheed: The Spark Plug Seattle Needed
Shaheed is a 27-year-old wide receiver and return specialist who joined the Seahawks midway through the 2025 season. In just nine regular-season games with Seattle, he hauled in 15 catches for 188 yards-not eye-popping numbers, but enough to show flashes of what he could bring to the offense.
Where he really made his mark, though, was on special teams. Shaheed found the end zone on both a punt return and a kick return during the regular season, instantly giving Seattle a boost in field position and momentum whenever he touched the ball.
And then came the postseason.
In the NFC Divisional Round against the 49ers, Shaheed wasted no time making his presence felt-taking the opening kickoff to the house for a touchdown. That kind of play doesn’t just set the tone; it sends a message. Shaheed’s speed and vision in the return game have become a legitimate X-factor for a Seahawks team that’s now one win away from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
How Seattle Landed Him
The Seahawks didn’t just stumble into this playmaker-they made a calculated move to bring him in. Back in November, Seattle sent fourth- and fifth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for Shaheed.
At the time, it may have seemed like a modest midseason trade. Now?
It’s looking like one of the savviest moves of the year.
Adding Shaheed gave Seattle a jolt of speed and versatility, and the payoff has been immediate. He’s not just a return guy-he’s become a legitimate threat in the passing game and a player who forces opposing special teams units to hold their breath every time he lines up for a return.
From Undrafted to Unstoppable
Shaheed’s path to this moment wasn’t exactly paved with five-star recruiting rankings and first-round buzz. He played his college ball at Weber State, a program that doesn’t often make national headlines. But Shaheed made sure his name stood out, setting an FCS record with seven career kickoff return touchdowns.
Despite that, he went undrafted in 2022. But like so many great NFL stories, Shaheed didn’t let that stop him. He carved out a role, made the most of his opportunities, and now he’s starring on football’s biggest stage.
What He Brings to the Seahawks
Shaheed’s game is built on speed-blazing, game-changing speed. But it’s not just about outrunning defenders.
He’s got excellent field vision, patience in the return game, and the kind of acceleration that turns a small crease into a big play. On offense, he stretches the field vertically, forcing defenses to respect the deep ball and opening up space for Seattle’s other playmakers.
In a postseason where every inch matters, Shaheed is giving the Seahawks yards-and points-in chunks.
The Bottom Line
Rashid Shaheed may not have started the season in Seattle, but he’s become a key reason why they’re in position to win it all. Whether it’s flipping the field with a return or breaking loose for a big gain through the air, he’s making impact plays when it matters most.
If the Seahawks end up lifting the Lombardi Trophy, don’t be surprised if Shaheed’s fingerprints are all over the win.