Walter Junior Jones

For anyone who wants a few more photos of Walt from TC, here

Mostly like this one:

I’m sure going to miss him. There will be a Hall of Fame ceremony in about 5 years that I won’t miss.

MatthewHass8
  
bjrth HOF class of 2015. Do the math. -->RT @pssportsnet: Seahawk’s LT Walter Jones says he still wants to play in 2010.

I hope we play a game with no one at left tackle, as a tribute.

While I was encouraged by Walt’s statements that he “still wants to play this game”, I hope Walt eventually decides to hang up the cleats, and I hope he does it before April. Regardless of Walt’s wishes, the team cannot count on Walt coming back and needs to prepare as if he won’t be back. We need three starting-caliber OTs ready to go next year, not including Walt. Its one of those cases where if he can make it back, it will be an extra gift.

But I’d rather just join in with all the 12th Man and give Walt one great big loud retirement party. Bring him on field at halftime, raise a beer to him, let him hoist the 12th Man Flag, have a Walter Jones Day, and start talking about the day Walt will be inducted in the Hall of Fame.

I hope this doesn’t become a case of an athlete who is physically done, but just can’t let go. It can hurt a team, and its not the most gracious way for a great player to go out. The Seahawks need to move on now without him.

But not before we say Thank You Walt! That ten-year ride atop your shoulders was the best. We will never forget.

Rare is the rookie left tackle who just steps in week 1 and dominates. If a good one is available, Seattle should draft a tackle in the first round next year and I can’t think of a better entry into the league than to be tutored/mentored by Walter Jones.

 Sadly, even if Walt does come back next year, there’s a decent chance that the rookie will have to step in due to injury (if not to Walt then to Lock.). But make no mistake, Walter Jones is an exceptional athlete and, if the pain subsides and the body is expected to hold up, can still walk on the field and be among the best in the game even following an 18 month layoff.

I suppose there are some business/cap considerations though. Are people hoping he’ll retire because they don’t believe he has any gas left in the tank and are afrraid he’ll embarass himself or because they’re afraid that the team will feel the need to release him against his wishes which will look bad and be a very undignified way to go out? I fear for the latter, not the former.

Is everyone already writing off Locklear? I mean … he’s no Walter Jones, but the chances of drafting a player of his caliber are as close to zero as it gets.

Locklear is serviceable and should contribute to an average to above-average offensive line. Plus he’s not super expensive.

he is going to be the starter at LT if Walt doesn’t come back, but we still need depth at Tackle period. If you need to draft a Tackle, then you look at LT because 90% or more of the QB’s are right handed and LT protects his blindside.

(Assuming he doesn’t come back.) Is there a protocol for the Ring of Honor?