Doug Baldwin writes letter that signals his retirement after Seahawks release
May 12, 2019, 9:22 PM | Updated: 9:34 pm
9. Longtime Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin retired from the NFL in a heartfelt letter to himself posted on Twitter. (Getty)
(Getty)
On Thursday, the Seahawks confirmed what had been in the air for nearly two weeks: Doug Baldwin had played his last down for Seattle.
Gee Scott: How Doug Baldwin changed my life and influenced my family
On Sunday night, Baldwin broke his silence following the Seahawks’ termination of his contract with a failed physical designation, writing a poignant letter to his younger self that was posted in a series of tweets.
“The end of one journey sees the beginning of another,” writes Baldwin near the end of the letter, which many online are taking as an official announcement that his career as a football player has indeed come to an end after an offseason in which he has endured three separate surgeries to repair injuries that have mounted from eight years in the NFL.
Twice during the letter, Baldwin writes, “You will feel emotional and physical pain you never knew existed. You will fail over and over again. But don’t worry, all of it will be the reason why you succeed.”
Numerous pictures of Baldwin and his teammates and coaches are included in the tweets, and one that might catch some attention is a picture of Baldwin with former Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who wasn’t always the most popular person among the fanbase during his time on Pete Carroll’s staff.
“And don’t forget the coaches,” states Baldwin in that particular tweet. “There will be good ones and there will be better ones. You will come to appreciate the great ones, even if others don’t.”
We have collected the full letter below. For more on Baldwin, click the links at the bottom of this post.
I’ve always wanted to write a letter to my younger self. I never knew how or when I would write it but it seems very appropriate right about now..
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
Dear Doug,
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, papa did get you that Power Ranger toy you wanted for Christmas. He loves you more than you could possibly understand. Cherish the time you spend with him. You can’t get those moments back. pic.twitter.com/2QT3fShtJl— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
I wanted to write you this letter and tell you that you’re about to endure one hell of a journey. You will feel emotional and physical pain you never knew existed. You will fail over and over again. But don’t worry, all of it will be the reason why you succeed. pic.twitter.com/kpWr64vGNJ
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
Along this journey you’re going to make some incredible memories. You will make terrible mistakes, but they will teach you valuable lessons. You are going to meet a diverse group of people and you will learn something from all of them. pic.twitter.com/ibJINR6Yys
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
High school will be hard. College will be harder. It is God’s way of preparing you for what is to come. You’ll want to quit football during your junior year. Mom, of course, won’t let you. Make sure you thank her for that later. pic.twitter.com/lOnTwmVvZp
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
Did I mention you will fail? Well, your college career will end uneventfully in your eyes. You’ll wish you could do it over again. However, you will have accomplished so many things many people only dream about. In your quiet moments, remember to be thankful. pic.twitter.com/JaPzT2nIlW
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
You’ll finally get a chance to compete at the highest level of the sport you love. And knowing you, I bet you’ll leave your mark early. During that time you will lose yourself in that world. It’s ok. You’ll come out of it for the better. pic.twitter.com/vEKU9AXt5p
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
That first year will fly by. You won’t remember most of it. What you will remember is the QB that taught you how to serve, the vet that showed you how to lead. And the best friend that showed you real love. pic.twitter.com/o1nNaMgy85
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
The next few years will be filled with beautiful memories of close friends you will meet along the way. Friends that will offer their guidance.. pic.twitter.com/4J1LLZirUI
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
Friends that will push your limits.. pic.twitter.com/0jggYznVho
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
Friends that will challenge your confidence.. pic.twitter.com/61oPkyJVWP
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
Friends that will support you no matter what.. pic.twitter.com/tprUFXV9Bk
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
Friends that will become your family. pic.twitter.com/CJVQAMDZI8
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
You owe a lot to these people. They will stick by your side when your passion turns into anger. When your drive turns into obsession. They will be the poised warriors that you will need by your side. pic.twitter.com/T95RA7fgKW
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
And don’t forget the coaches. There will be good ones and there will be better ones. You will come to appreciate the great ones, even if others don’t. pic.twitter.com/B0YpCU1vrT
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
But when the journey finally comes to the end, you will reflect on what that little boy caught between Gulf Breeze and Pensacola really wanted: to be seen and to be loved. pic.twitter.com/J9rTAid0pC
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
You will realize that the affirmation you receive from catching a football won’t suffice that little boy’s desire. The praise from those that don’t know you will be good for your ego but bad for your character. pic.twitter.com/uM8GhcUB8j
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
But one day you will find a woman, a real woman, that will see you, love you and force you to become a real man. You will owe her everything. And she will become your everything. Hold her close and remember the lessons you’ve learned along the way. pic.twitter.com/SevTluq0uP
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
Because the end of one journey sees the beginning of another. And guess what.. it will be one hell of a journey. You will feel emotional and physical pain you never knew existed. You will fail over and over again. But don’t worry, all of it will be the reason why you succeed. pic.twitter.com/RBH3hy5dip
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) May 13, 2019
More on Doug Baldwin
• Clayton: Taking stock of monumental news for the Seahawks
• Where does the release of Doug Baldwin leave the Seahawks’ offense?
• Seahawks terminate contracts of Kam Chancellor, Doug Baldwin
• Report: Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin may have played his last game
