... TRENT DILFER!!!

Congratulations Trent Dilfer for being the 3nd winner of the annual Neil Graff Award. This award is presented to the Seahawk player who explifies the spirit of Neil Graff, that is, the most under-appreciated player on the team. The award is voted on by fans; all players are eligible for consideration.

What makes Mr. Dilfer this year's standout? His team player spirit, his endless cooperation, his attitude, and his endurance on and off the field.

This year was not a piece of cake for Trent Dilfer for many reasons, the worst of which is that he lost his son to an unexpected and fatal illness. How do you get through something like that and still focus on football? How do you support your team while nursing your hurt and anger and doubt? I have no idea, but Trent Dilfer did it. No matter what he went through, he was there to support Matt Hasselbeck and the rest of the Seattle Seahawks. Trent Dilfer will be the first to tell you that the team was there for him with hugs and hospital visits, care and concern.

I will tell you that at the lowest time in his life, he was there for them, too.

Neil Graff? WHO'S NEIL GRAFF?!?!
And what's this award about?!?

This message from my in-box will explain it all!!

Of all the 1976 Seahawks - all 54 players on the roster in the year - Graff is the only one who didn't play in a single regular-season game.

That's right - zero starts and zero appearances while on the active roster.

[Note: He had one pre-season start which went like this -- "When the 49er lead rose to 24-0 in the third period, Patera lifted the starting quarterback, Neil Graff, and sent in Zorn."]

It occurred to me that if we ever wanted a definition of an under-appreciated footballer, Neil Graff is our man.

I think we need an award for the Seahawks' best kept secret player. The guy who's doing the hard work without getting the recognition.

That's the message from my in-box! I think it's a terrific idea! We implemented the plan in 2001, when Mack Strong was awarded the 1st annual Neil Graff Award! Congrats, Mr. Strong, and now to Mr. Engram and Mr. Dilfer as well!