Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider has been named NFL Executive of the Year by the Professional Football Writers of America, recognizing his role in building a team that finished 14-3 and reached this weekend’s NFC Championship Game.
Schneider, who helped construct the Seahawks’ Super Bowl championship teams early in his tenure, is receiving the award for the first time. More than a decade after those championship seasons, he has again built one of the league’s top rosters through strategic free-agent signings, consistent draft success, and key trades including the acquisition of returner and receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Head coach Mike Macdonald, hired by Schneider, credited the general manager’s leadership and ability to balance guidance with autonomy. Beyond player acquisition, Schneider has helped shape the Seahawks’ culture, emphasizing a “loose but focused” environment and placing importance on contributions from the entire roster, including what the team calls its “ready squad.”
Defensive tackle Leonard Williams pointed to the team’s lack of ego and collective mindset as distinguishing characteristics compared with other stops in his career. The recognition comes as the Seahawks accumulate individual honors. Macdonald has been nominated for AP NFL Coach of the Year after leading Seattle to the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is among the AP award nominees for Offensive Player of the Year after catching 119 passes, leading the league with 1,793 receiving yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.
For Seattle sports fans, Schneider’s award validates the organizational reset that began with Macdonald’s hiring. The Seahawks transitioned from the Pete Carroll era without the typical multi-year rebuild, instead producing immediate results through strategic roster management and cultural alignment.
The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday at Lumen Field.
