Super Bowl-winning punter John Ryan said he was “shaking with anger” after hearing that current members of his former team, which missed the playoffs, were celebrating with cigars.
The Seahawks ended the 2023 season with a close 21-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Despite finishing the season on a high note, Seattle finished the season with 9 wins and 8 losses, just missing out on making the postseason.
But even after former New York Giants safety Julian Love was selected to the Pro Bowl and cornerback Tarik Woolens was born, some players on the Seahawks defense still found reason to celebrate by smoking cigars in the locker room. I had found it. Instagram story displayed.
Ryan noticed the atmosphere in the locker room and saw no reason to celebrate.
“I think the Seahawks have been doing things a little differently lately'' Super Bowl winning punter Posted At X.
“I could say a lot of things right now because I'm so angry, but I'll just say I'm really disappointed.”
His tweet, which has been viewed more than 400,000 times since it was posted, received harsh backlash for being a blatant criticism of the players' celebration.
One user commented: “You look a little dramatic when you're shaking with anger, John,” to which Ryan replied: Hahaha. ”
“I understand your point, but young people are optimistic about their future. They haven't experienced the winning culture that you experienced in your era. They don't know it yet. Just,” another person commented on his post.
Ryan doubled down on the haters by replying, “It's a time and place” to celebrate.
While Ryan was asked for comment, other members of X shared Ryan's displeasure with the locker room antics.
“I'm with you. The 2012-2016 administration wouldn't have behaved this way. Just as disappointed to see this,” one user wrote.
“I agree, bro. After having a bad season and missing the playoffs, I don’t understand how that can be good… @Seahawks players look so happy! I will miss your spirit, your heart, and your attitude!”
While Ryan and Hawks die-hard fans may be upset about the cigar flaunt, FOX 13 Seattle reporter Ian Furness pointed out that not everyone on the team is in favor of the move.
“This will be discussed a lot. I would add that not everyone in the locker room was happy about the postseason 'celebration' and cigar smoke of not making the postseason,” Furness said. Posted At X.
“Everyone will have an opinion, but I know there are many veterans who share John's opinion.”
Ryan, 42, played for Seattle from 2008 to 2017 and was instrumental in the team's victory over Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.
The team released him at the end of the 2017 season.
He retired from the league after being released by the Buffalo Bills before the start of the 2018 season.
