Veteran Lineman DJ Fluker Announces Release by Seahawks With Classy Tweet Thanking the 12s
By Sam Dunn
With the coming and going of the NFL Draft comes another round of trimmings to ensure roster compliance heading into the period that was supposed to include summer workouts, at least before COVID-19 ruined everything. The Seattle Seahawks quickly got to work themselves in this regard, and a notable roster casualty has been confirmed straight from the source: guard DJ Fluker.
The interior lineman shared the news on Twitter and took it like a total pro, thanking Seattle's iconic fans, GM John Schneider, and head coach Pete Carroll.
Dear 12s,
— DJ Fluker TheWarrior (@DJTheWarrior76) April 26, 2020
I was released by the Seahawks today. Couple of things: I am not upset, or hurt. This is a business and one that I’ve been in for a while. I want to thank John and Pete for their very thoughtful calls.
Stay safe, be kind and I love y’all.
Thank you, Seattle.
Fluker, a former first-round pick out of Alabama by the Chargers back in 2013, had spent his last two NFL seasons with the Hawks. He played in 14 games last season, all starts, and participated in 78% of available offensive snaps.
He was entering the back half of a two-year contract extension worth a maximum of $9 million, but will cost Seattle only $500,000 in dead cap following today's release.
D.J. Fluker is one of the classiest people, not just athletes, I've had the pleasure to get to know. NFL is a cruel business.
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) April 26, 2020
Any team that opts to pick up the 29-year-old Fluker is getting a mature, composed professional that goes about his business in precisely the right way. And given his regard for the 12th Man, you can bet he won't be buying too many of his own drinks whenever he's back around the Pacific Northwest again.