Irvin’s return gives Seattle reason to smile

RENTON, Wash. – Giddy and chatting in superlatives with a broad smile, Seattle Seahawks linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. may be the only one whose joy exceed that of Bruce Irvin’s.

After a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance- enhancing drug policy, Irvin rejoined the Seahawks at practice Wednesday.

That had Norton worked up after practice.

“It’s like having a new toy,” Norton said. “We’re going to put him right in there.”

They finally can because Irvin’s suspension is over and he’s healthy.

Irvin has made donations to put toward the weight room at West Virginia University, where he played college. He decided to go back and see what his money brought.

While back at West Virginia, Irvin was forced to explain to some of the Mountaineers players that he screwed up. So, he worked out late in the morning, then sat with an unscratch- able itch because of his mistake.

“If you have four weeks to chill you better be ready,” Irvin said. “I’m just honored that coach Pete Carroll has welcomed me back, and I’m just going to keep my nose clean from here on out and just play football.”

The Seahawks have moved Irvin to strongside linebacker from his defensive end spot.

He’s broadening his focus from just rushing the passer after he had eight sacks in 2012 during his rookie season.

Part of the reason, as Carroll says over and over, is because Irvin is the Seahawks’ fast defender.