Empire State Review Contributor 
On August 3, 2025, the Seattle Seahawks brought their annual Football Fan Fest to Lumen Field, giving fans front‑row access to one of the most realistic training‑camp scrimmages in recent memory. The 90‑minute evening session featured 11‑on‑11 game‑like drills in pads, a departure from traditional mock‑game formats, and showcased standout moments from both sides of the ball.
Jalen Milroe, the Seahawks’ first‑round pick, impressed with powerful deep throws and extend‑the‑play athleticism, fueling excitement about his potential role in Seattle’s offense. Multiple long completions were caught by Tyrone Broden Jr., who appears to be emerging as a reliable downfield target. Additionally, headlining a crisp play‑action sequence was veteran Sam Darnold hooking up with Jaxon Smith‑Njigba for a well‑executed strike, signaling chemistry and potentially highlighting Seattle’s new offensive scheme.
With lead running back Kenneth Walker III sidelined by a sore foot, Zach Charbonnet stepped in as RB1 and looked sharp, while undrafted rookie Jacardia Wright flashed promise with an explosive outside stretch run. Though he has a long road to making the final roster, Wright’s performance added intrigue to the running back competition.
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On the defensive front, Tank Lawrence continued to pressure opposing offenses, generating disruptions even against rookie lineman Grey Zabel. Mike Morris made notable contributions in run defense while shifting between 3-tech and edge positions. Emerging special teams standout D’Anthony Bell held his own as a box safety, while A.J. Finley, who made a break on a deep Milroe-to-Dareke Young touchdown throw, appeared to suffer a knee injury that may be season-ending.
Christian Haynes, competing for the right guard spot, remained sidelined with a minor pectoral injury and was absent from drills, raising questions in a closely watched positional battle. The center and guard roles held by Olu Oluwatimi and Jalen Sundell continue to be points of focus. Overall, no other serious injuries were reported, although Finley’s condition remains uncertain. Fans and staff alike praised the high-tempo energy, interactive elements—from autograph tosses to sideline engagement—and the weekend’s seamless execution.
This Lumen Field Fan Fest performance occurred on the evening of Saturday, August 2, as part of the Seahawks training camp schedule that concluded with scrimmages and spirited fan programming. That day was also notable for overlapping with a Seattle Mariners afternoon game, giving fans a unique opportunity to experience a full afternoon and evening of live sports entertainment in the city.
Fan Fest aimed to blend football with family entertainment, including music, autograph zones, photo activations, meet‑and‑greets with Blitz the mascot, and themed activities like a Kids’ Combine and Seahawks Pro Shop pop‑ups, all in a laid‑back, fan‑friendly setting.
This year’s event demonstrated Seattle’s intent to ramp up training camp visibility, especially in its milestone 50th anniversary season. By offering pad‑level action, live analysis via podcasts, and multi‑media interaction between players and fans, the team has clearly elevated the training camp experience.
From a competitive standpoint, Fan Fest provided clarity on the Seahawks’ early training camp themes. The Seahawks are laying the groundwork for a new offensive era under coordinator Shane Waldron, anchored by Darnold and rookie Milroe. Defensive depth is being tested with players like Morris, Lawrence, Emmanwori, and Bell stepping into varying roles. The ongoing interior offensive line battle remains intriguing, and the absence of Haynes in scrimmage reps may be an early data point in a high‑stakes competition. Finally, the strong presence of undrafted players like Wright and Bell continues Seattle’s tradition of identifying hidden gems in the summer.
The Seahawks Football Fan Fest on August 3, 2025, delivered a spirited mix of drills, competition, and fan engagement. Between exciting rookie moments, veteran leadership, positional battles, and community celebration, Fan Fest succeeded in amplifying anticipation for the Seahawks’ preseason opener vs. the Las Vegas Raiders on August 7. The combination of football intensity and fan connection reaffirmed why the event remains one of the most beloved stops on Seattle’s NFL calendar.
