What we learned from Episode 3 of HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’: Seattle Seahawks

In the quarterback room while Jason Garrett is speaking to the Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks, and Cooper Kupp, about what it means to be a backup quarterback in the NFL, a quote by President Theodore Roosevelt can be seen hanging in the room:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

The Man in the Arena. If Episode 3 of “Hard Knocks” can be summed up in a quote, it is this one. If there is a quote that sums up the Seattle Seahawks, it is this one. When someone falls, it is how the get up and keep fighting that defines them. They do not see defeat in the sight in the adversity, but instead seek to overcome it.

More light is shed on Terrion Arnold signing

John Schneider throughout the first half of the episode left no stone unturned when trying to gather more information on the former Lions cornerback. He spoke to Richard Sherman, who believes Arnold would be a good fit on the team. While speaking to Robbie Ouzts about his former college teammate, John made note that he had spoken to Nick Saban, Arnold’s former college coach, and Jalen Milroe, Arnold’s best friend. Ouzts also gave Arnold his seal of approval.

When speaking with special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, as much as they admitted they had interest in Arnold, Schneider said they probably have made the same move as the Detroit Lions were they in their shoes. They also stated, however, that they were not, and that they could be the second chance that Arnold needed. John did what he did best, made Arnold an offer, which he accepted, and stated that Arnold would need to be here to work hard and fit in with the team. On the phone with Arnold’s agent, he talked about bringing Arnold in here would be a long term play, and recognized the challenges that were ahead.

Jalen Milroe encouraged to use his athleticism by coaching staff

This episode also focused a bit on Jalen Milroe, the current third string quarterback on the team. It seems as though the coaching staff wants him to use his athleticism more; to use his blinding speed to help keep the plays moving. While it seemed as though he was able to do so in practice, he faced challenges in the preseason game versus the Cowboys.

In the red zone, he was not able to convert a single touchdown, even when the special teams was able to get them within right in the sweet spot, failing to convert on a fourth and goal, sacked in the pocket. However, the coaching staff was proud of his development so far as a quarterback; Jake Peetz doing his best to encourage Milroe to keep fighting and keep using the tools at his disposal.

Devon Witherspoon’s teammates celebrate his new contract

Devon Witherspoon’s contract extension signing was also a highlight of this episode. Mike and John clearly happy that a deal was able to get done, as well as Witherspoon’s teammates. Lots of hugs, dabs, high fives, and smiles throughout the building. John and Mike noted how professional Witherspoon held himself throughout the process, and how he continued to be a part of practices, working hard, and not letting it be a distraction. If distraction was an adversary, Witherspoon overcame it with flying colors.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s masterful route running

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s development from 2025 to 2026 was something that seemed to amaze Mike in this episode. Comparing him to the Silver Surfer, Macdonald noted how smooth Jaxon has looked in camp, and how he seems to have taken another step in his development as a wide receiver. Julian Love even stated that Jaxon is one of a very select few wide receivers who can make a cut and not lose any momentum or speed and make it look effortless. JSN is not resting on any laurels after winning Offensive Player of the Year. If anything, he has taken it as a challenge to be even better.

Uso Seomalo, Montorie Foster Jr become the underdog stories of ‘Hard Knocks’

An under the radar name that was given some spotlight this episode was Uso Seumalo, the nose tackle. The Hawaii native, whose hometown was so small it didn’t have enough players for a full team, played a multitude of positions in high school, including quarterback. His love of the game is so great that he takes every chance he can get to improve his game. Mike noted that while Uso may not be at the level of play that he wants him to be at, he believes in them and believes he can get there. Though Uso had struggles in the preseason game, and you could tell he was getting frustrated, he did not give up and kept fighting, showing true traits of a Seahawk player. Leonard Williams is seen coaching him up during training camp practice.

Montorie Foster’s story was a great one to see develop throughout the episode. Going from being injured and missing out most of his first year, to being a substitute teacher and real estate agent, to being on the practice squad and part of the Super Bowl team, and now fighting for a roster spot. You can tell he has made an impression on his teammates and coaches. Sam Darnold noted how valuable it is for Drew Lock and Milroe to have a player like Foster to throw too, and how impressed he is with Foster. Even Grey Zabel seemed to be blown away by some of the moves Foster was making in training.

Foster during the first drive of the preseason game was eagerly awaiting his chance, and Lock gave it to him, throwing him the only touchdown of the game by the Seahawks. While Foster had an overall good game, he had his own troubles and mistakes that he made. He did not let it keep him down, though, and was open to the advice of the player/coach Cooper Kupp, who gave him pointers on how he could improve his craft and not make the same mistake twice.

A special moment for Brady Russell

Final note, and a happy one. During halftime of the Cowboys game, special teams captain and H-back Brady Russell found out that he was going to be a dad. His wife was in labor, and he needed to leave the game to be with her. Russell immediately dressed in his street clothes, and departed to go pick up his wife to take her to the hospital. His teammates and coaches congratulating him. Though the team may have lost the game, and they learned what they needed to improve upon and overcome, they still found victories throughout, and this may have been the biggest of them all.