BRADY HENDERSON

Just another OTA? Not for Seahawks’ Earl Thomas

May 27, 2014, 10:38 AM | Updated: 10:45 am

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By Brady Henderson

Earl Thomas is entering his fifth NFL season and is one of Seattle’s longest-tenured players. He has on his resume three Pro-Bowl selections, a Super Bowl championship and the distinction of being the highest-paid safety in the league. Many consider him the best, too.

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Thomas

So you might be surprised to hear how he was feeling Tuesday before the first of the Seahawks’ 10 organized team activities.

“I’m nervous,” he told “Brock and Danny” on 710 ESPN Seattle. “It feels like I’m just getting out there again, like my first day in the league. Just excited to see how much the game has slowed down, see how many plays I’m going to make. Just excited for that rush to be back. I missed it.”

The start of OTAs marks a turning point of sorts in the NFL’s offseason calendar, an increase in what types of drills teams are allowed to hold during on-field workouts. Some teammates won’t even be there as attendance is voluntary, but Thomas’ comments speak to the degree to which he loves football, which isn’t always a given with NFL players. He even compared Tuesday’s OTA to his first date.

“I haven’t been out here in a while. We haven’t put on our helmets,” he said. “I’m just excited to see how much I’ve grown. You don’t know what you’re capable of until you get out there and do it, so this is just another opportunity for me to do it.”

Follow Brady Henderson on Twitter @BradyHenderson.

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