The end is now here for the Boom

For years, the Seattle Seahawks have used a solid defense to go on a playoff run not seen in franchise history over the past six to seven seasons.

Barring a miracle, it appears those days are long gone.

IN CASE you missed it — and it’s possible with Hoopfest, NBA free agency, etc. — Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor announced on Twitter that a neck injury suffered against Arizona last year was not going to allow him to play football anymore.

After the announcement, and looking on social media, it didn’t take long to realize why.

Chancellor was the “Boom” in the Legion of Boom, with huge hits being something that he did on a constant basis.

His hit on Vernon Davis in a regular season game a few years ago, as well as another against Demaryius Thomas in the Super Bowl were a few that come to mind.

The hit on a tackle at Arizona last November, which eventually ended his career, didn’t look quite as bad as those other hits, but was bad enough.

Chancellor is just one of many departures from the defense from last year. Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril and Richard Sherman are also among those that are now gone after helping the team to a Super Bowl title in 2014.

And who knows, had Chancellor not played with a torn MCL against the New England Patriots in that Super Bowl, maybe Russell Wilson doesn’t throw that slant pass for an interception late in the game.

Ahh, what could have been.

HOPEFULLY FANS will appreciate what Chancellor did for the Seahawks, albeit in a lot shorter career than expected.

While he only played for the team for eight years, he was one of the big reasons why the team was so good for so long.

When they needed a big play, he made it.

Don’t forget, when Carolina was driving to try to tie a divisional playoff game late, Chancellor intercepted a pass and raced for an 84-yard touchdown to put the game away.

Regardless of who Seattle has play in his position from here on out, he’ll have big shoes to fill.

That being said, Chancellor didn’t say the word retire in his statement. He’ll still be getting paid by the team.

Chancellor signed a three-year contract extension in 2017, and will still be a part of the team, unless they come to an injury settlement in the near future.

Barring some miracle recovery, his playing days are done, and that’s a shame.

Chancellor was a fun player to watch during his time in Seattle, because he made big plays when the team needed them.

And for at least a few years, gave fans in the Northwest something else to get excited about on the football field.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at (208) 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at jelliott@cdapress.com. Follow on Twitter @JECdAPress.