Seahawks WR DK Metcalf: If you don’t act like a rookie, ‘they won’t treat you like one’

Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf downplayed the first of the two touchdowns he scored in Sunday’s 27-20 victory over the Falcons.

“Tyler (Lockett) drew a lot of attention on that one play, so I saw a big void in the middle of the field and just sat there,” Metcalf said Monday on 710 ESPN Seattle.

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Seahawks color commentator and former NFL linebacker Dave Wyman was impressed, telling the receiver that he showed pretty good awareness for a rookie.

“Yes sir,” Metcalf quietly replied.

The promising receiver joined Bob, Dave and Moore at team headquarters, and in true Seahawk form, Metcalf seemed much more comfortable talking about the chip on his shoulder and what he still has left to prove than anything he’s accomplished this season.

When Jim Moore started counting up how many receivers were taken before Metcalf in the 2019 draft, he got to six before Metcalf smiles and interjects – “Eight,” he said without hesitation. Metcalf is well aware which teams passed on him – he attended the draft as a potential top 10 pick but ended up having to wait all the way until the second day when the Seahawks traded with the New England Patriots to select him No. 64 overall.

So, what was it like to finally get that call?

“I really couldn’t hear it because I was crying so loud,” Metcalf said. “I watched it a couple times though. They just said they were excited. I’ve heard stories from, you know, the chefs upstairs to coach Nate (Carroll) of how excited they were when they drafted me, of how Russ (Russell Wilson) was so excited and that just shows the character of this organization and I just feel welcomed here.”

Although his draft experience wasn’t what he was expecting, Metcalf sees it as a positive now.

“I’m kind of excited and glad I didn’t get drafted in the top 10 because I probably wouldn’t have the same work ethic that I have. Now that I see that I got drafted in almost the third round, it means that I have to work that much harder just to make them pay and just to make them see what they’re missing out on.”

At the halfway point of the season, Metcalf appears to be well on his way to accomplishing that goal. He is outpacing all eight of the wide receivers taken ahead of him with 402 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Only Washington rookie Terry McLaurin, who was selected after Metcalf, has more yards (458) and touchdowns (five).

As Metcalf gets in the end zone more often, should we expect some epic touchdown celebrations along the lines of Seattle’s recent NSYNC tribute? Don’t hold your breath.

“No, I try to… I don’t know why. I mean, I’m so excited in my head, I’m trying to hurry up and get off the field. I mean my last year in college, I always just handed the ball to the ref and ran to the sidelines. Just, you know… trying to be professional.”

Touchdowns dances might not be his style, but one area that DK does enjoy showing a bit of his personality is through his unique mouth guards that look like pacifiers. He says they are just fun and he is surprised by the amount of attention they have received.

“You get fined for breaking the dress code in the league so mouthpieces are my way of being me. It’s my personality, I like to be fun so the baby binky is one way I do it. Everybody hits me up about the pacifier. Last week I got a lot of backlash because they were like ‘Take the mouth guard out and play like a man,’ but I take the criticism and just run with it. I mean, a lot of people do like it and say it’s creative.”

One thing is for sure: DK Metcalf is not your average NFL rookie. In fact, he would prefer it if that was the last word that came to mind when you think of him.

“I’m trying not to act like a rookie. First and foremost, I don’t like being called a rookie, but if you don’t come in acting like one, they won’t treat you like one.”

Wyman couldn’t agree more.

“Well, you don’t seem like a rookie and you should be proud of that, you’re having a great season,” Wyman responded.

Metcalf flashed him a proud smile and replied: “Yes sir, thank you.”

The Player Spotlight airs at 5 p.m. every day on Bob, Dave and Moore. Listen to Metcalf’s interview here.

Follow 710 ESPN Seattle’s Maura Dooley on Twitter.

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