The Emerald City is mourning the loss of a true Seahawk legend this week. Former Seattle Seahawks running back Dan Doornink passed away on Saturday at the age of 70, with the team officially announcing his passing on Sunday afternoon. It’s a tough one, folks, losing one of the guys who helped build the foundation of our franchise.
From the Giants to the Kingdome’s Heart
Doornink was a Washington State University product, drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round in 1978. But Seattle snagged him before the 1979 season in a trade, and that’s when he truly became one of ours. He played seven seasons rocking the Seahawks uniform, giving his all for the green and blue. He wasn’t just a flash in the pan either, putting up solid career numbers: 3.5 yards per carry, 5.5 yards per reception, 15 rushing touchdowns, and 11 receiving touchdowns. He was a versatile back who could run and catch, a real asset for the Hawks.
A Playoff Legend and What It Meant
When we talk about Doornink, you can’t *not* talk about that incredible 1984 Wild Card game. The Hawks faced the Los Angeles Raiders right here in the Kingdome, and Doornink absolutely went off, running for a monstrous 123 yards! He was a huge part of that 13-7 victory, a moment etched into the memories of every 12 who was there. The season before, he even caught a touchdown in Seattle’s AFC Championship Game loss to those same Raiders. He showed up when it mattered most, leaving it all on the field for Seattle.
More Than a Player: Dr. Dan’s Legacy
But Doornink’s story didn’t end on the gridiron. After his NFL career, he traded in his pads for books, graduating from the University of Washington with his Doctorate of Medicine. Think about that for a second. An NFL player, coming home, becoming a doctor. He then returned to his hometown of Yakima, Washington, practicing medicine and giving back to the very community that helped raise him. That’s a legend right there, on and off the field.
The team said it best: “We’re saddened by the passing of former Seahawk Dan Doornink. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.” For seven seasons, Doornink ran hard for our Hawks, then came home to serve Yakima. A genuine Washingtonian through and through, Dr. Dan leaves behind a legacy of grit on the field and compassion off it. He’ll always be one of ours.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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