Richard Seymour

Richard Vershaun Seymour is a National Football League defensive lineman for the New England Patriots. He was born on October 6, 1979 in Gadsden, South Carolina. He majored in housing and consumer economics at the University of Georgia.

High School Football

While attended Lower Richland High School (South Carolina) Seymour starred as a football player. In his senior year at the school he made 83 tackles and eight sacks and was named the team captain and best defensive lineman.

College Football

From 1997 through 2000, Seymour attended the University of Georgia and played on University of Georgia's college football team, the Georgia Bulldogs, defensive line. During his time there he played in 41 games and made 25 starts with 223 tackles (106 solo), 9.5 sacks and 35 quarterback pressures.

NFL Career

In 2001, the New England Patriots drafted Seymour in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. In his rookie season with the Patriots he played in thirteen and started ten of the Patriots regular season games. He made 44 total tackles, three sacks, one blocked kick and was named to the Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie Team. In the Patriots 2001 postseason, Seymour played in all three of the Patriots games and started in the AFC Championship game victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He made his first career postseason sack in the Patriots Super Bowl 20 to 17 upset victory over the St. Louis Rams.

In 2002, Seymour became a full time starter for the team as he played in and started every game for the Patriots at defensive tackle. He had a great season as he made a total of 56 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one interception and five blocked field goals in games vs the Pittsburgh Steelers (two blocked kicks), Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers. For his great season he was voted to the AFC Pro Bowl team by fans, players and coach's.