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Just Hours Before Colts Showdown, Future Seahawks Defensive MVP Stuns NFL by Admitting He Still Hasn’t Fully Gelled with the “Top 1 NFL” Defense

Seattle, Washington – December 13, 2025

As the Seattle Seahawks enter a decisive stretch of the season, preparing for a high-stakes matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, a rare moment of honesty from inside the defensive unit has caught the NFL’s attention. A rookie defensive lineman widely viewed by scouts as a future Defensive MVP has openly acknowledged that he has not yet fully acclimated to a system currently regarded as the top defense in the NFL.

Rylie Mills (@ryliemills99) / Posts / X

With Seattle riding an impressive run of form and its defense consistently suffocating opponents, the admission was not an excuse — it was transparency. A reality that is seldom voiced when winning tends to drown out uncertainty.

“I thought I was ready for the NFL,” the rookie admitted. “But here, every practice is more intense than any college game I ever played. This defense doesn’t allow you to be a step late or hesitate for even a second — I was overwhelmed, and that’s exactly what forced me to change and adapt.”

The Seahawks’ defense this season operates as a constant proving ground. There are no guaranteed starting roles, no reputations that override performance. From the weight room to the practice field, every position must be earned through execution, discipline, and complete understanding of the system.

Seattle’s coaching staff does not view the rookie’s comments as a red flag. Instead, they see them as a sign of early maturity — a young player recognizing that success in the NFL is not just about talent, but about surviving and evolving within the most demanding environments.

“He’s being held to an extremely high standard — and that’s a good thing,” one member of the coaching staff said. “If you don’t feel challenged here, it probably means you’re not growing.”

Signs of progress are already evident. Rylie Mills, the rookie in question and a long-term cornerstone the Seahawks envision along their defensive front, has begun to show tangible improvement. His reads are sharper. His reactions quicker. His confidence within each snap continues to build, even if perfection remains out of reach. And within a defense that is already well-defined and functioning at an elite level, Seattle has no reason to rush his development.

Ahead of the Colts game, the Seahawks remain composed, confident, and deep. For Rylie Mills, however, the journey is only beginning — not through instant stardom, but through honesty, relentless competition, and daily commitment.

And sometimes, it’s the willingness to acknowledge how hard the climb truly is that signals a defensive star is quietly taking shape in Seattle.

After Serving His Sentence, Former Raiders First-Round Pick Announces Desire to Join Jacksonville Jaguars — Willing to Start Over as a Rookie Jaguars for a Chance to Return to the NFL
This morning, the NFL world was once again shaken when Henry Ruggs III, the former first-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, spoke out for the first time since completing his sentence — and made a shocking statement that immediately sent ripples through the league. Ruggs, who was once considered one of the fastest and most talented young wide receivers in football, declared that he is determined to continue his career and is solely focused on joining the Jacksonville Jaguars, even if it means starting over completely as a rookie with the team. Now 26 years old, Ruggs spoke with quiet determination, a stark contrast to the excessive scrutiny of his past. “I know what I’ve done, and I know what I’ve lost,” he said through his representative on Tuesday morning. “If I’m allowed to return to the football field, I’m ready to start over. If that means starting as a rookie with the Jaguars, with no guarantees and no promises — I’ll accept it. I just want a chance.” This announcement comes at a critical moment for Jacksonville, a team with a reputation for nurturing young talent and offering fresh starts to those willing to work hard and prove themselves. While the Jaguars have not publicly commented, internal discussions are said to recognize the complexity of the situation: Ruggs' undeniable talent is still evident, but the shadow of the tragic DUI crash in 2021 continues to hover over any team considering him. Despite this, Ruggs remains firm in his desire to join Jacksonville. According to those close to him, he views the Jaguars’ rebuilding culture — driven by the leadership of head coach Doug Pederson and the youth-focused philosophy — as the ideal environment to start anew, both personally and professionally. “If I’m going to fight to come back,” Ruggs said, “I want to do it with a team that’s focused on growth, accountability, and earning every moment. That’s Jacksonville.” NFL analysts quickly pointed out that if the league allows Ruggs to return, his options would likely be limited. The most realistic path for him is to start as a true rookie with the Jaguars, accepting a minimum salary and proving himself from day one. Whether Jacksonville will consider this opportunity remains uncertain. But Ruggs’ statement — driven by humility, a desire for redemption, and the belief that second chances must be earned — has sparked widespread debate: Can a first-round talent who fell from grace truly make his way back in a league that once believed he could be a star? For now, Ruggs is waiting. Training alone. Hoping. And preparing, in his own words, “to start from zero if necessary.”