Legendary Hall of Fame Reporter

John Clayton

John Clayton was a longtime NFL insider and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame best known for his tenure with ESPN. He hosted The John Clayton Show from 8-11 a.m. on Seattle Sports each Saturday, and was a sideline reporter on Seahawks Radio Network game broadcasts. John passed away in March 2022, and is survived by his wife Patricia.

JOHN CLAYTON | Jan 16, 2019
Clayton: What Seahawks DE Frank Clark’s injury admission means with his contract up

John Clayton takes a close look at a pair of situations facing the Seahawks: Frank Clark's admission that he played at "60 percent" in 2018 due to a pair of elbow injuries, and the revolving door at kicker.
JOHN CLAYTON | Jan 11, 2019
Third-down sacks, CB play, and a changing NFC West: What stands out from the Seahawks’ 2018 season

When looking back at the Seahawks' 2018 season, there are a couple stats that jump out at you. 710 ESPN Seattle's John Clayton breaks down what Seattle did well -- and where it can improve in 2019.
JOHN CLAYTON | Jan 7, 2019
Clayton: Seahawks’ D made strides, but playoff loss proves it has room to grow

In John Clayton's observations following the Seahawks' 24-22 playoff loss in Dallas, he looks at the state of Seattle's defense and the importance of Doug Baldwin to the offense.
JOHN CLAYTON | Jan 4, 2019
Clayton: A look at what’s in store for Saturday’s Seahawks-Cowboys matchup

This weekend’s wild-card round could be a little wilder than normal. The Seahawks have a real chance in Dallas, and other wild-card teams could upset on the road.
JOHN CLAYTON | Dec 31, 2018
Clayton: 10-win Seahawks exceed expectations with run game, pass rush

With the regular season having concluded, John Clayton shares his observations about the Seahawks' Week 17 win and their 10-6 season overall, including where Seattle exceeded expectations.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | Dec 28, 2018
Clayton: What to watch for in Seahawks’ regular season finale vs Cardinals

The Seahawks' O-line will be short-handed if guards J.R. Sweezy (foot) and D.J. Fluker (hamstring) are out. But that won't chance Seattle's philosophy of running the ball -- especially against the Cardinals 32nd-ranked rushing defense.
JOHN CLAYTON | Dec 24, 2018
Clayton: Turnaround from 0-2 start complete for playoffs-bound Seahawks

John Clayton breaks down his observations from Sunday's 38-31 Seahawks win over the Chiefs, including returns that helped the defense and Doug Baldwin showing how valuable he truly is.
JOHN CLAYTON | Dec 21, 2018
Plenty on the line for Seahawks, playoff contenders

Because they are playing Sunday night, the Seahawks and Chiefs will know how other games affect their chances. But John Clayton says there's plenty to contend with at CenturyLink Field.
JOHN CLAYTON | Dec 18, 2018
Clayton’s Observations: Seahawks’ D-line, secondary went opposite directions in loss to 49ers

John Clayton breaks down where the Seahawks sit after their overtime loss to the 49ers, including the defensive line's strong effort and problems in the secondary with Bradley McDougald hurt.
JOHN CLAYTON | Dec 14, 2018
Clayton: Seahawks face an even younger 49ers team in Santa Clara

710 ESPN Seattle's John Clayton takes a look at what the Seattle Seahawks need to take care of Sunday if they want to beat the 49ers and secure a playoff spot.
JOHN CLAYTON | Dec 12, 2018
Clayton: On brink of clinching playoffs, it’s a new era for Seahawks

The Seahawks are 8-5 after a 21-7 victory over the Vikings, bringing them within a win of clinching a return to the postseason. John Clayton shares his thoughts on a new era of football under Pete Carroll.
JOHN CLAYTON | Dec 7, 2018
Clayton: What to look for in Seahawks’ MNF matchup vs Vikings

If the Seahawks beat the Vikings Monday, they'll open up a cushion to not only get a wild-card berth, but also the No. 5 seed. That's easier said than done -- the Vikings are a dangerous team.
JOHN CLAYTON | Dec 4, 2018
Clayton: Seahawks are No. 5 seed, but they might be better than the NFC’s 5th-best team

There's an argument to made that the 7-5 Seahawks might even better than the fifth-best team in the NFC that they are in the standings. Especially if they beat the Vikings on Monday.
JOHN CLAYTON | Dec 1, 2018
Clayton: Even with Richard Sherman on 49ers, Seahawks can throw Sunday

John Clayton breaks down the Seahawks' matchup against Richard Sherman and the 49ers on Sunday, including why the game was flexed out of prime time and San Francisco's shortcomings in their pass rush.
JOHN CLAYTON | Nov 27, 2018
Clayton: We’re watching Pete Carroll’s best season as Seahawks coach

Pete Carroll's team has a chance to win 10 games and return to the playoffs in a year where it had little to no expectations. John Clayton breaks down why this may be Carroll's best season as Seahawks coach yet.
JOHN CLAYTON | Nov 23, 2018
Clayton: What a win against the Panthers will mean for Seahawks’ playoff hopes

What does a Seahawks win over the Panthers Sunday mean for Seattle's playoff hopes? 710 ESPN Seattle's John Clayton explains.
JOHN CLAYTON | Nov 22, 2018
Clayton: Wilson-Newton rivalry will be renewed, but Seahawks-Panthers should be low-scoring

The Seahawks and Panthers have established a rivalry during the careers of Russell Wilson and Cam Newton, but they are two of the better running teams in the league going into Sunday's game.
JOHN CLAYTON | Nov 16, 2018
Clayton’s Observations: Defense, run game help Seahawks keep playoff hopes alive

John Clayton breaks down the Seahawks' crucial 27-24 win over the Packers on Thursday night, including the roles Seattle's three running backs and defensive line played in the comeback victory.
JOHN CLAYTON | Nov 14, 2018
Clayton: A look at Thursday’s matchup between Seahawks and Packers

Officially, Thursday night’s game between the Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers isn’t an elimination game, but it sure has that feel. With everything on the line, 710 ESPN Seattle's John Clayton takes a look at the matchup.
JOHN CLAYTON | Nov 9, 2018
Clayton: Keys heading into Seahawks’ Week 10 matchup vs Rams

The Seahawks are hampered by injuries to key starters this week and are heading to Los Angeles to face a high-flying Rams team. What does Seattle need to do to keep up?
JOHN CLAYTON | Nov 6, 2018
Clayton: Stumble vs Chargers isn’t enough to doubt Seahawks QB Russell Wilson

It’s wrong to be down on Russell Wilson after the Chargers game, writes John Clayton. He explains why and breaks down much more about the 4-4 Seahawks heading into Week 10.
JOHN CLAYTON | Nov 2, 2018
Clayton: What to watch for in Seahawks-Chargers reunion

When the Seahawks met the Los Angeles Chargers on Aug. 18 in the preseason, the gap between the two teams looked significant.
JOHN CLAYTON | Oct 30, 2018
Clayton: No trades, but still plenty of midseason Seahawks roster intrigue

While the Seattle Seahawks didn't make any trades as the NFL trade deadline passed Tuesday, John Clayton has plenty to examine with the roster as it looks right now.
JOHN CLAYTON | Oct 26, 2018
Clayton: What to look for when Seahawks face Lions in Week 8

Over the next five games, the Seahawks' defense faces five franchise quarterbacks, starting with Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions Sunday at Ford Field. If they can come out at 6-5, they will be in good shape to have a possible playoff spot.