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Richard Sherman (American football)

Richard Kevin Sherman is an American former professional football cornerback who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Richard Kevin Sherman is an American former professional football cornerback who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Stanford University before being selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Sherman also played for the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and became known as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks of his era.

Early life and college

Sherman was born in Compton, California, and attended Stanford University. At Stanford, he started as a wide receiver before converting to cornerback, where he developed into an NFL prospect.

NFL career

Sherman entered the NFL in 2011 as a fifth-round pick of the Seahawks and became a central part of Seattle’s defense. He later played for the 49ers and Buccaneers before his playing career ended in 2021.

Playing style and recognition

Sherman was known for his size, coverage ability, and outspoken personality. NFL and team sources describe him as one of the league’s standout cornerbacks and an important figure in Seattle’s Super Bowl-winning era.

Career statistics and honours

Team and league sources credit Sherman with 32 interceptions, 99 passes defended, and a Super Bowl championship. He also received multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honours during his career.

Key facts

  • Richard Sherman played 11 NFL seasons as a cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • He was a key member of the Seahawks’ secondary known as the “Legion of Boom.”
  • His career highlights include a Super Bowl title with Seattle and multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
  • NFL records and team profiles credit him with 32 career interceptions and 99 passes defended.
  • He later moved into sports media work after his playing career.
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Canadian context

Sherman has broad relevance to Canadian sports fans through NFL coverage, Super Bowl viewership, and U.S. football media consumed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Richard Sherman?
Richard Sherman is a former American football cornerback who played 11 seasons in the NFL, most notably for the Seattle Seahawks.
Where did Richard Sherman play college football?
He played college football at Stanford University.
When was Richard Sherman drafted?
He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, 154th overall.
Which NFL teams did Richard Sherman play for?
He played for the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What position did Richard Sherman play?
Sherman played cornerback in the NFL.
What is Richard Sherman best known for?
He is best known for his play with the Seahawks, his role in the “Legion of Boom” defense, and his reputation as one of the top cornerbacks of his generation.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Sherman_(American_football)
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, college, positional background, and Seahawks draft selection.
  2. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/14086/richard-sherman
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, college, position, and 2011 draft information.
  3. Pro Football Referencehttps://www.profootball-reference.com/players/S/SherRi00.htm
    Supports: Birthplace, height, career span, interceptions, passes defended, and Super Bowl win.
  4. Seattle Seahawkshttps://50.seahawks.com/players/richard-sherman
    Supports: Seahawks career length, interceptions, passes defended, forced fumbles, and team honours.
  5. NFL.comhttps://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/49ers/swptcnkklbvwroo2nukq.pdf
    Supports: NFL career statistics and Stanford graduation note.
  6. NFL.comhttps://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/characters-67
    Supports: Draft status, nickname/profile, interception title in 2013, and Seahawks era context.