The Seahawks walked away with a Player of the Week honor after their dominant showing against Atlanta-but it wasn’t the rookie safety who got the nod.
While Nick Emmanwori had a strong case for NFC Defensive Player of the Week, that award went to Detroit’s Al-Quadin Muhammad, who racked up three sacks against Dallas. Still, Seattle didn’t leave the week empty-handed. Wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed took home NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after delivering one of the most electric plays of the season-a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown that blew the game wide open in the second half.
It was Shaheed’s first career kick return touchdown, and it just happened to be the longest touchdown scored by anyone in the NFL this season. That’s not just a highlight reel moment-it’s a momentum-shifter, and it came at the perfect time for a Seahawks team that’s quietly building one of the league’s most complete special teams units.
Shaheed’s been known more for his punt return skills, but this return showed he’s just as dangerous on kickoffs. And in a league where special teams can swing playoff fates, Seattle’s got a legitimate weapon in Shaheed.
He becomes the sixth Seahawks wide receiver to win Special Teams Player of the Week honors and the first to do it since Tyler Lockett in 2017. That’s a long gap, but Shaheed’s burst might just signal a new chapter for Seattle’s return game.
But here’s where things get even more interesting: Shaheed wasn’t just making noise on special teams. He also posted his best receiving game since joining the Seahawks in a midseason trade, hauling in four catches for 67 yards. That’s the kind of dual-threat performance that can change the complexion of Seattle’s offense down the stretch.
If Shaheed continues to emerge as a legitimate receiving option, it adds another layer to a Seahawks offense that’s already shown flashes of explosiveness. His speed and versatility make him a matchup problem, whether he’s lining up wide or lurking deep on special teams.
Bottom line: the Seahawks are getting timely contributions from all over the roster, and Rashid Shaheed is quickly becoming one of their most dynamic playmakers.