Jan 6, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant (23) and Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin (51) celebrate after Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) fumbles the ball in the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at FedEx Field. Griffin III was injured on the play and the Seahawks won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Former Washington State Cougar Marcus Trufant has moved on to the next chapter in his football life, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier today. It’s the second NFL team that “Tru” has signed with, after signing in 2003 with the Seattle Seahawks as a 1st round draft pick at No. 10 overall. Of course that was the year after Trufant helped his team to the 2003 Rose Bowl against Oklahoma.
Trufant’s two younger brothers, Isaiah and Desmond, are also playing in the NFL with the Jets and Falcons, respectively. Desmond was also picked in the first round just a little over a week ago in the 2013 NFL Draft, picked No. 22 overall.
A couple good things come out of this for Marcus; he’s closer to his brothers (still probably won’t see much of each other though) and he gets another shot in the NFL. Clearly, he’s lost a step and a half from his old days before chronic back injuries and the rigors of the league took their toll, but also clearly I think he has something left in the tank, maybe a lot left. I think the fact that Gus Bradley was willing to take a shot with him after seeing him in Seattle speaks to that pretty clearly. Here’s to hoping “Tru” reps Wazzu proud in the next chapter of his football journeys.
12th Man Rising had a piece today on the move as well, and below is a classy tweet from Marcus to the Seattle faithful for his decade of association with the 12th Man.
12man I couldn't have been in a better place these past 10yrs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! #love#tacomababy#12rhman#appeciateall
— Marcus Trufant (@MarcusTrufant) May 7, 2013
Go Cougs!