GEE SCOTT

Seahawks’ K.J. Wright looks ahead to life after football with trip to Washington, D.C.

Feb 27, 2017, 1:49 PM

K.J. Wright, Seahawks, NFL...

Seahawks linebackers K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner will need to play some of their best football Sunday against the Eagles. (AP)

(AP)

LISTEN: Seahawks LB K.J. Wright on NFLPA Externship

The NFL doesn’t have the greatest reputation for its treatment of retired players, but Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright took the NFL shield to heart after a recent trip to Washington, D.C.

Wright told 710 ESPN Seattle’s Gee Scott Thursday that he stumbled on an email about the NFLPA Externship, which exposes NFL players to internship opportunities and ideas for post-football careers. He jumped at the opportunity and spent a week and a half in the nation’s capital. Wright said former Seahawks Dion Bailey and A.J. Francis were among the other players there. Bailey chose the government and politics program while Francis did radio broadcasting and production. Wright worked with the NFLPA, which is headquartered in D.C., and learned about player development.

“I’m just trying to dip and dab into new things, see what I like so when the time comes, I’ll have a good solid plan,” said Wright, who turns 28 in July.

Gee Scott: Jermaine Kearse talks last season, fatherhood

Wright, who in 2016 was selected to the first Pro Bowl of his six-year career, said he specifically took interest in the NFLPA’s program for retired players called “the trust” and offered insight into how to make the program better.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the average NFL career is 2.66 years, according to numbers from 2014. That shelf life is down from an average of 4.99 years in 2008.

Some Seahawks, including cornerback Richard Sherman and defensive lineman Michael Bennett, have been vocal critics of the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell. Last season, Sherman wrote an essay about his frustration with the “hypocrisy” of the league. Later, in a video for The Players’ Tribune, he ripped the NFL for not really caring about the health of its players.

The criticism came on the heels of the ongoing debate over concussions, which includes the 2015 movie “Concussion” in which Will Smith portrays forensic neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu who discovered Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy – a progressive brain disease found in athletes with a history of brain trauma – and the NFL’s denial of his findings.

Wright said he met with DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFLPA, and ex-linebacker Don Davis, who is the organization’s senior director of player affairs.

When asked if he thinks the NFL is doing better than in the past for retired players, Wright responded: “I believe so.”

“They’re out there working every day for us to make sure while we’re playing life is good, and when we’re done life is good,” he said. “I believe it’s up to the players as well to invest in themselves to make sure that, OK, I know that this lifespan for me is short, so let me get the most out of this so when I do get out of this … I have something, versus just sticking to just football, not practicing other skills that you have such as networking, such as learning about different aspects about life besides football.

“So you’ve got to invest in yourself so that when the time does come, you’re ready to go.”

Gee Scott

Kris Richard is reportedly going to Dallas after being let go as Seahawks DC. (AP)...

Brent Stecker

Ex-Seahawks DC Kris Richard joining Dallas Cowboys staff, reports Gee Scott

Kris Richard is joining the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff as defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, according to Gee Scott of 710 ESPN Seattle.

6 years ago

seattle seahawks, seahawks, pocic, offensive line...

Kirsten Abel

Seahawks’ offensive line in 2018: Who, what, and where

With new offensive line coach Mike Solari on board, what will happen to the Seahawks O-line? John Clayton and Gee Scott looked at how the group may shake out this offseason.

6 years ago

Mike Solari was previously Seahawks offensive line coach in 2008 and 2009. (AP)...

Brent Stecker

Ex-NFL OL Rob Sims: Seahawks will see ‘immediate difference’ with Solari

Former NFL lineman Rob Sims, who played under Mike Solari when he was Seahawks O-line coach in 2008-09, said Seattle will "have a good running game" as soon as players believe in his system.

6 years ago

Richard Sherman ruptured his Achilles in the Seahawks' Week 10 game in Arizona. (AP)...

Gee Scott

Top Seattle sports stories of 2017: Seahawks’ defense takes a big hit with injuries to Sherman, Chancellor, Avril

Gee Scott of 710 ESPN Seattle looks at the No. 2 Seattle sports story of 2017: The Seahawks suffering injuries to several of their biggest stars on defense, including Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman and Cliff Avril.

6 years ago

davis, mike davis, seahawks...

Stacy Rost

Gee: If Seahawks’ run game doesn’t get fixed, ‘there is no Super Bowl’

The Seahawks, who currently ranks 22nd in the league in rushing yards per game, will look to Mike Davis to hopefully give their run game a boost after promoting him from the practice squad.

6 years ago

Russell Wilson's positivity helped him lead Seattle over Houston, writes Gee Scott. (AP)...

Gee Scott

Gee: After his greatest game, an apology to Seahawks’ Russell Wilson

Gee Scott didn't give Russell Wilson much credit for the Seahawks' success, but a few days before he led them to a huge win over Houston, he started to realize he was wrong about Seattle's QB.

7 years ago

Seahawks’ K.J. Wright looks ahead to life after football with trip to Washington, D.C.