What’s the fuss all about?

RENTON, Wash. – No one in Seattle will confuse T.J. Houshmandzadeh with Steve Largent.

The outspoken Houshmandzadeh is “shocked” with the fuss being made in his first Seahawks season over his angry gestures and comments about not getting the ball enough, in a city where people are used to their star receivers being quiet yet productive – such as Largent.

Seattle’s Hall of Famer was so understated he wouldn’t even spike the ball following any of his 101 career touchdowns.

Declaring “I like myself, man, I really do,” Houshmandzadeh said Friday he’s been hearing all week from those inside and outside Seahawks headquarters, from former teammates in Cincinnati, even from his two daughters at home.

Last weekend in Dallas, he angrily gestured toward Matt Hasselbeck to throw the ball with more loft immediately after he tried to zing a ball to the tightly guarded receiver near the Cowboys’ goal line in the first quarter.

The discussion between the two players continued at the bench. Both made gestures but did not appear to be arguing so much as explaining themselves.

Then in the third quarter, Houshmandzadeh was seen angrily shouting on the sidelines following the end of another possession in Seattle’s eventual blowout loss.

The day ended with the NFL’s leading receiver the previous three seasons – before he signed a $40 million, five-year contract with Seattle last spring –owning just 35 receptions in seven games, and with Seattle (2-5) absorbing consecutive losses of 20-plus points for the first time since 2001.

“From what he told me, it didn’t affect him, it didn’t bother him,” Houshmandzadeh said of Hasselbeck. “But I guess other people felt otherwise.”

Coach Jim Mora and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp both said they’ve talked to Houshmandzadeh this week, and that all is well.