Sebastian Janikowski ‘grateful’ for opportunity to reboot career in Seattle

Newly-signed Seahawks kicker Sebastian Janikowski is one of just a handful of NFL players who have continued to play into their 40’s (Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who was selected in the same draft as Janikowski, is also part of that club). Still, for the first time in his 17-year career, he’ll be kicking in a new home stadium.

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“I’ve been (to CenturyLink Field), I’ve played in preseason games, I’ve played in regular season games,” Janikowski told 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny, Dave and Moore Friday after signing with Seattle. “I think it’s awesome, it’s nice turf, I think it’s a good place to kick. I mean, don’t forget, I was in Oakland kicking in the dirt for 18 years, so.”

Janikowski was drafted 17th-overall by the Raiders in 2000 and played every season until a back injury landed him on the injured reserve list in September 2017.

“I’m fully recovered,” Janikowski said. “I was fully recovered in Week 8, I was ready to go. But I guess (with) the decision that Oakland made, that they’re not going to bring me back, they let the younger guy go.

Janikowski said he’s grateful for the opportunity now in Seattle to re-boot his career. He joins a team desperate to improve at the position (former starter Blair Walsh connected on a career-low 72 percent of his field goal attempts) and becomes the second kicker on the roster, along with Jason Myers (whom Seattle signed to a reserve/futures contract in January) to compete for the job.

“I’m excited – can’t wait.”

Hear Janikowski’s entire interview with Danny, Dave and Moore.