Largent Receives Bipartisan Praise Seahawk-Turned-Congressman Popular Choice For Hall Of Fame

Steve Largent wondered aloud what effect his election to Congress would have on the value of his old Seattle Seahawks football cards.

“Probably made it go down,” Largent kidded.

Not among conservative Republicans, Steve.

The value of those old cards will rise on Saturday, certainly, when he becomes the first Seahawk to be inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame.

Largent conducted a media conference call Wednesday morning to reflect on the honor - and on the 14-year, record-setting career that led to it.

“It’s the consummate rags-to-riches story,” said Largent, who was cut by Houston Oilers coach Bum Phillips before hooking on with the expansion Seahawks in 1976. “It really is the crowning moment in my football career.”

By the time Largent retired, he had set six NFL receiving records. And, beyond that, he earned the respect of teammates and opponents.

For instance:

Dolphins coach Don Shula - “Steve Largent was one of the most dangerous receivers to ever play the game.”

Former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle - “It will be years before anyone with the character, human decency and the on-the-field skills will be found to replace Steve Largent.”

Seahawk Joe Nash - “He’s had an affect on just about everybody who’s come in contact with him.”

Former Seahawks coach Steve Moore - “He has a splash of magic in him that can’t be defined.”

Former Raiders rival Lester Hayes - “A Caucasian Clydesdale.”

Largent caught 819 passes for 13,089 yards and 100 touchdowns, with receptions in 177 consecutive games. And when he looks back at his career, he recalls the struggling early years with particular fondness.

“In some ways, that was the most fun because it was the least pressure - nobody expected us to win any games,” he said.

The personal pressures have only increased since being elected to represent Oklahoma’s 1st District. And his goal is to “build coalitions, rapport and relationships with people on both sides of the aisle,” Largent said.

He recalls with pride the comments made by an elderly lady after a recent appearance.

“She said, ‘I’m a Democrat and I don’t believe with your politics, but I think you’re honest,”’ Largent said. “I told her that she could not have paid me a better compliment.”

While most inductees ask former coaches or teammates to introduce them at the induction ceremony, Largent has given that task to Gary Wright, the Seahawks’ vice president/administration and communications.

“Gary has been a long-time friend and mentor, and when I think of the Seahawks, I think of Gary Wright,” Largent said. “He always personified dignity and class, so I thought it was really appropriate to have him introduce me.”

Questioned about possible taxation to renovate the Kingdome and preclude any chances of the team moving to Southern California, Largent said he was fundamentally opposed to new taxes.

“But, if local people want to vote new taxes on themselves, whatever the reason - to save a sports franchise or whatever - that’s how democracy works. More power to them.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo