Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cody White seized his long-awaited chance during his first NFL appearance in almost two years. Recently elevated from the practice squad, White left a lasting impression on both coaches and teammates in a game against the Los Angeles Rams that ended with a score of 26-20 in favor of the Rams. His performance included a crucial blocked punt and two receptions totaling 44 yards, showcasing his skills on the field.

With 8:44 remaining in the game, White’s explosive block on a punt by Rams punter Ty Zentner positioned the Seahawks at the Rams’ 19-yard line. Despite the game’s unfavorable outcome, the enthusiasm for White’s debut was palpable within the Seahawks organization. His promotion to the active roster came as a substitute for DK Metcalf, who was sidelined for a second straight week due to an MCL sprain.

Since joining the Seahawks in October of last year, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound White has caught the attention of coaches and teammates through his diligent work ethic during practice sessions. Quarterback Geno Smith expressed confidence in White’s abilities, stating that they had expected such a performance from him throughout training camp. Smith noted, “He’s been doing that since he got here. Hard worker, one of the hardest workers on the team. He deserves it. He deserves to go out there and make those plays. He’s always prepared.”

White previously played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after an impressive college career at Michigan State. Although he went undrafted in 2020, he spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos before signing with the Steelers. During his time with Pittsburgh, he logged six receptions for 35 yards across 16 games from 2021 to 2022 before being released last August. Despite not seeing any game time with the Seahawks in the 2023 season, White remained ready for any opportunity that might arise.

When White finally made his first reception for Seattle, he expressed his excitement: “Shoot, since I stepped into the building. Every opportunity that I’ve been able to get, I feel like I’ve done a great job with it. So just keep stacking that and then try to figure out a way where I can provide and also go out there and help the team get some wins.” His contributions included two receptions in the fourth quarter, one of which was a notable 28-yard catch, along with the pivotal blocked punt that caught the attention of Seahawks fans. White acknowledged the help he received, crediting Jake Bobo’s block and the strategic plans from special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh for enabling his success. “I practiced that every day in practice, so I felt like I was pretty prepared for the moment,” he remarked.

Although White’s stint on the active roster was brief, as he was returned to the practice squad the following day, the experience highlighted the potential for his future involvement in the team. Seattle has demonstrated that strong performances, like those from cornerback Josh Jobe while filling in for the injured Tre Brown, can lead to more playing time for players like White in the long run. Coach Mike Macdonald expressed his satisfaction with White’s opportunity to shine on the field, noting, “Glad that he had an opportunity to show what he had to do. Guys were fired up for him. It shows the depth we have on our football team.” With talent like White on the roster, the Seahawks are poised to utilize their depth effectively moving forward.