Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman: biography

Richard Sherman is a former professional American football player who played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL).

Childhood and youth

Richard Kevin Sherman was born on March 30, 1988, in Compton, California, and grew up in a challenging environment. As a child, Sherman faced numerous difficulties, including gang violence and poverty. However, he found solace and purpose in athletics, particularly football.

Sherman attended Dominguez High School in Compton, where he played multiple sports, including football, track, and basketball. He excelled in football and showcased his exceptional athleticism and competitiveness on the field. Despite his talent, Sherman's academic performance suffered, and he faced the risk of being ineligible for college football.

However, Sherman's fortunes changed when he met his high school football coach, who became a mentor figure in his life. Under his guidance, Sherman improved his grades, allowing him to pursue a college education while continuing to play football.

Sherman received a scholarship to attend Stanford University, where he continued to excel both academically and athletically. At Stanford, he played as a cornerback and made a name for himself as a dominant defensive player. Sherman's performance on the field, coupled with his commitment to his studies, led to his recognition as an outstanding student-athlete.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Sherman graduated from Stanford with a degree in communication. His time at the university not only prepared him for a successful NFL career but also laid the foundation for his future pursuits off the field.

Sherman's childhood and youth experiences shaped his character, instilling in him a drive to overcome obstacles and a determination to excel both on and off the football field. His journey from Compton to Stanford and ultimately to the NFL is a testament to his resilience and the transformative power of sports in his life.

Football career

Sherman's professional career began when he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his physicality, intelligence, and outstanding ball skills. Playing alongside fellow members of the "Legion of Boom" defense, such as Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, Sherman helped transform the Seahawks' defense into one of the most dominant units in the league.

During his time with the Seahawks, Sherman played a key role in the team's success. He was instrumental in leading the Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. In Super Bowl XLVIII, Sherman's defense stifled the high-powered Denver Broncos offense, ultimately winning the game and securing the franchise's first Super Bowl victory.

Sherman's individual accolades continued to pile up throughout his career. He was selected to five Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro three times during his tenure with the Seahawks. Sherman's ability to shut down opposing receivers and his knack for creating turnovers made him one of the premier cornerbacks in the league.

On March 10, 2018, Richard Sherman signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers, just a day after being released by the Seattle Seahawks. In his first season with the 49ers, he had 37 tackles, one sack, four passes defended, and a fumble recovery in 14 games played.

In the 2019 season, Sherman made notable interceptions, including a pick-six against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and interceptions against the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers. He was also selected to his fifth Pro Bowl. In the playoffs, he intercepted passes in both the Divisional Round against the Minnesota Vikings and the NFC Championship against the Green Bay Packers, helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV. However, the 49ers ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, and Sherman received criticism for his performance in the game.

During the 2020 season, Sherman dealt with a calf strain and was placed on injured reserve. He returned in Week 12 and recorded his first interception of the season against the Los Angeles Rams. On February 17, 2021, Sherman was released from the 49ers.

In September 2021, Richard Sherman signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers worth $2.25 million. In the 2021 season, Sherman served as the Defensive Backs Coach for the Buccaneers in Week 7 due to COVID-19 protocols. He later suffered a calf injury in warm-ups before Week 10, causing him to miss the game and be placed on injured reserve. Sherman returned for Week 14 and recorded his only interception of the season against the Buffalo Bills. However, he was placed back on injured reserve in January 2022 with an Achilles injury, ending his season. Overall, Sherman played in five games, starting three, and accumulated 11 tackles, one interception, and a pass deflection.

Personal life

Richard is happily married to Ashley Moss, who is an entrepreneur and owner of US Nails, a nail salon in Renton, Wash. On February 5, 2015, Ashley gave birth to their first son. They got engaged in June 2015 and welcomed a daughter on April 16, 2016. Sherman and his partner got married on March 28, 2018.

Known for his outspoken personality and big plays, Sherman gained fame as one of the NFL's most recognizable players. In a notable post-game interview in 2014, he proclaimed himself the "best corner in the game" and criticized an opponent. Sherman appeared on the cover of Madden NFL 15 and writes for The Players' Tribune.

Sherman established his own charity, Blanket Coverage – The Richard Sherman Family Foundation, in 2013. The foundation supports children in low-income communities through educational resources and clothing. Sherman also has an interest in cryptocurrency and tech stocks and serves as an ambassador for the trivia app FleetWit. He is a co-owner of the Glacier Boyz in the Fan Controlled Football league, with their first game taking place on February 13, 2021.

Accomplishments and achievements

• PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)
• Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
• NFL interceptions leader (2013)
• 3× First-team All-Pro (2012–2014)
• 2× Second-team All-Pro (2015, 2019)
• 5× Pro Bowl (2013–2016, 2019)
• NFL 2010s All-Decade Team