Top pick Jackson at camp

KIRKLAND, Wash. – For Seattle Seahawks first-round pick Lawrence Jackson, the first day of training camp on Friday was the beginning of what he hopes will be a long, productive NFL career.

For Mike Holmgren, entering his 10th year as head coach of the Hawks, the day signaled the beginning of the end as the long-time head coach will retire at the end of this season.

But for both, and others like quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and receiver Bobby Engram, the first day of training camp was the beginning of what they hope will be reaching the elusive goal this franchise has been chasing since its inception in 1976 – winning the Super Bowl.

“For us, it’s business as usual,” Hasselbeck said when asked about the impact his coach retiring will have on this season.

Perhaps that comment shows how much Hasselbeck and his teammates are focused on earning their fifth straight NFC West title, and with that a chance to make another deep postseason run. Many of the same faces return, including All-Pro left tackle Walter Jones, sack master Patrick Kearney and perhaps one of the best linebacker trios in the league in Lofa Tatupu, Julian Peterson and Leroy Hill.

But stalwarts like running back Shaun Alexander and kicker Josh Brown are gone, and Seattle will have to rely on a new wave of fresh, young faces to step in and make an impact this season.

One of those wide-eyed youngsters is Jackson, a USC product.

At 6-foot-4, 271 pounds, Jackson is expected to push Darryl Tapp at left defensive end, infusing the defensive line with some quickness and energy off the edge.

“He’s a really good player and we’re counting on him,” Holmgren said. “He’s one of the young guys we have a role for and we expect to play right way. So had he missed (practices), and had it been a prolonged thing, that would have hurt him.”

The signing of Jackson leaves tight end John Carlson as the only Seattle draft selection without a contract, although it is believed the two sides are close to a deal.

Jackson has been in the Seattle area since Tuesday, ready to report when the deal was completed. The rookie from Inglewood, Calif., bought a home close to the team’s new practice facility in Renton, Wash., and also purchased his dream car, a Cadillac Escalade, in the color “Quicksilver” to replace a 1996 truck he described as a clunker on its last legs.

Jackson said he placed a high priority on being on time to training camp.

“You know, it’s very important,” he said. “I think it shows the guys that you’re willing to cut some stuff to be with the team.”

Engram, the veteran receiver, was another impact player who considered it important to show up on Friday.

Unhappy with his current contract and anxious to negotiate a new deal, questions lingered whether Engram would be around. He skipped voluntary workouts over the summer because he believes he’s worth more than the final year and $1.7 million he has left on his contract.

Engram has a point. He led the team last season with 94 catches and 1,147 receiving yards, scoring six touchdowns – his best season statistically as a pro. However, the team gave Engram the security of a two-year, $3.4 million deal in 2007 after the reliable receiver missed nine games in 2006 because of a thyroid condition that threatened his career.

Holmgren said he was pleased to see Engram on the field.

“He cares about the team,” Holmgren said. “He had personal feelings about what he needed. And I think it’s very indicative of how he plays the game that he was able to put those personal feelings aside and participate.

Hasselbeck also was happy to have his security blanket back in the fold. After Engram missed the June minicamp, the two managed to schedule family retreats for the same time at Lake Chelan, where they found a vacant football field and worked on shaking some of the rust off their chemistry.

“We worked out a bunch together,” Hasselbeck said. “We were running and throwing and doing that sort of stuff. Throwing to Bobby is kind of like riding a bike. It just kind of comes back right away, and he’s had a great day so far.”

Asked if he were in a nostalgic mood for the first official practice of his last season, Holmgren wouldn’t bite. Like Hasselbeck, he’s focused on the here and now.

“At the end, there’ll be some time I’m sure when I’ll think about it,” Holmgren said. “But now this is a new year. I’m the same person.”