Leonard Williams has found a home in Seattle-and he's not shy about letting people know it.
After spending the first stretch of his NFL career with the Jets and Giants, Williams is now thriving with the Seahawks, and the difference isn’t just on the field. It’s in the stands, too. As Seattle gears up for a high-stakes Divisional Round clash with the San Francisco 49ers, Williams took a moment to reflect on what makes the Pacific Northwest feel so different from the New York spotlight he left behind.
“I love Seattle,” Williams said this week. “I feel blessed every day that I’m here.”
That gratitude runs deeper than just football. Williams talked about the community, the connection with fans, and a moment that stuck with him from his very first game as a Seahawk.
The team had just been blown out on the road-a long, late East Coast game-and by the time he got back to Seattle, it was well past 3 a.m. But as he drove away from the facility, there were still fans outside, cheering the team on.
“I’m not used to that,” Williams admitted. “I’ve been in stadiums where we’re losing at halftime, and our own fans are booing us and leaving the stadium.”
That’s a stark contrast to what he’s experienced with the 12s. Seattle fans have built a reputation for being among the loudest, most loyal in the NFL-and Williams has seen firsthand that their support doesn’t waver when things go sideways.
Sure, they’ll be frustrated by losses, but they don’t turn their backs on the team. That kind of unwavering support isn’t just rare in pro sports-it’s special.
And it’s not lost on the players.
Williams has been a force on the defensive line since arriving in Seattle, anchoring the front with a mix of power, technique, and relentless effort. He’s one of those guys who plays like every snap matters-and in Seattle, that kind of intensity gets noticed. The 12s bring it every Sunday, and Williams matches their energy.
It’s a mutually respectful relationship: fans who show up rain or shine, win or lose, and a player who gives them everything he’s got.
That bond is part of what makes this playoff run feel different. The Seahawks have had their ups and downs over the years, but since 2010, they’ve been a near-constant presence in the postseason conversation. Through coaching changes, roster turnover, and the natural ebbs and flows of the league, one thing has stayed consistent-Seattle fans pack the stadium and make their voices heard.
Whether it was Qwest Field, CenturyLink Field, or now Lumen Field, the venue has always echoed with the same energy. And players like Williams feed off it.
This year, the Seahawks are hoping to turn that energy into something more-a deep playoff run, maybe even a shot at another Super Bowl. But no matter how this season ends, Williams has already made it clear: playing in Seattle means more than just wins and losses. It’s about community, connection, and a fanbase that shows up when it matters most.
And if you ask Leonard Williams, that’s the kind of team you want to go to battle with.