The Rise and Reign of the Seahawks' Legendary Legion of Boom

A look back at the dominant secondary that defined Seattle's defense in the early 2010s

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Legion of Boom, Seattle's legendary secondary in the early 2010s, was headlined by Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas III, and Kam Chancellor. This unit emerged in 2011 and quickly became one of the most dominant defensive groups in the NFL, leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in 2013 and maintaining their status as a top defense for several more seasons.

Why it matters

The Legion of Boom's success helped establish the Seahawks as one of the NFL's premier teams in the early 2010s, and their physical, ball-hawking style of play became the blueprint for many defenses around the league. The unit's legacy continues to be felt in the league today.

The details

The Legion of Boom was formed in 2011 when the Seahawks' young secondary, led by Sherman, Thomas, and Chancellor, quickly developed into one of the best defensive units in the NFL. In 2012, the group improved further, ranking 5th overall and forcing the second-most turnovers in the league. But it was in 2013 that the Legion of Boom truly cemented its legacy, leading the NFL in several key defensive categories and helping the Seahawks cruise to a dominant Super Bowl victory over the Broncos.

  • The Legion of Boom emerged as a dominant force in 2011.
  • In 2012, the unit improved further, ranking 5th overall and forcing the second-most turnovers.
  • The 2013 season was when the Legion of Boom reached its peak, leading the NFL in several key defensive categories and helping the Seahawks win the Super Bowl.
  • The Legion of Boom remained a top defense for the Seahawks from 2014 to 2017, finishing in the top 7 each season.

The players

Richard Sherman

A shutdown corner and future Hall of Famer who was a key member of the Legion of Boom.

Earl Thomas III

A rangy, hard-hitting safety who formed the backbone of the Legion of Boom secondary.

Kam Chancellor

A physical, hard-hitting safety who embraced the 'Legion of Boom' nickname and helped define the unit's aggressive style of play.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Legion of Boom name 'fits the description of our unit, our brotherhood of love, trust, honesty, respect.' Those elements 'bring out everything in our group.'”

— Kam Chancellor, Seahawks Safety (Radio Interview)

What’s next

The Seahawks will look to rebuild their defense and recapture the magic of the Legion of Boom era, as they aim to return to the playoffs and compete for another Super Bowl championship.

The takeaway

The Legion of Boom was one of the most dominant defensive units in NFL history, establishing the Seahawks as a powerhouse in the early 2010s and setting the standard for physical, ball-hawking secondaries across the league. Their legacy continues to influence the game today.