Ranking the 25 Players Seattle Seahawks Fans Hate Most

Hate is a strong word.  

I try not to use it too often in my daily life and rarely, if ever, when referring to people.  

Yet if you asked the average Seahawks fan about Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole, the word hate might come to the top of their head.  His play after the whistle last season against Russell Okung was, depending on your perspective, well...problematic.

Problematic in that it cost the 'Hawks their young cornerstone at left tackle for the rest of the season.  

Problematic in that it jeopardized the progress of an offensive line that had already suffered several key injuries.  

Problematic in that it left the 'Hawks scrambling to figure out an answer to keep their late-season momentum.

Fortunately the 'Hawks and Okung survived, as the big man should be ready to go to start this season.  But it sure left a bitter taste in the mouth of the 'Hawks and, by extension, the game takes on a simplified heroes and villains approach.  

While heroes are easy to identify, villains come in all shapes and sizes.  Sometimes it's a random unforeseen incident along the lines of seeing Trent Cole injure Russell Okung, but going into the season it's easier to focus on stars who are capable of making any given Sunday miserable.

What it comes down to is perception.  Some players we might loathe for their lifestyle, others for dirty play and brash style, some we're simply jealous that they're not on our team, and occasionally a rare few manage to possess the full package.  

For this season, here are 25 opponents the Seahawks and their fans should keep on their radar...   

#25: Darrelle Revis, Cornerback, New York Jets

In putting together this list, I'm taking the approach of starting out with the players you fear, but secretly covet.   

Starting at #25...Jets All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Revis Island, arguably the NFL's most gifted corner.

Week after week since coming into the league, Revis shuts down his opponent's best option.  If you throw on him, beware.  

You might say you hate him, but if the Jets offered Revis for Brandon Browner straight up, do you think 'Hawks general manager John Schneider would say no?

#24: Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions

Similar to Darrelle Revis, Detroit wideout Calvin Johnson is one of the best in the business and the kind of guy you'd love to have either on the 'Hawks or at the very least on your fantasy team.  

Megatron is long, lean, and has the moves to make any defensive back quake.  

When the 'Hawks go to Detroit mid-season, let's hope they can keep him in check.  

#23: Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers

Speaking of fantasy teams, tell me you aren't tempted to take Cam Newton this year?

Last year it seemed almost too good to be true, watching Newton come into the league and light it up.   

Will he be able to build upon that this year?

Let's hope not in Week 5 when the 'Hawks go to Carolina to play the Panthers.

#22: Mario Williams, Defensive End, Buffalo Bills

Mario Williams and his massive contract.

Hard to hate him, but it's a shame that he couldn't at least pay Seattle a visit.

So be it, yet I'll certainly be watching closely when the 'Hawks visit the Bills in Week 15.  

#21: Patrick Willis, Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers

The next two players are key fixtures on divisional rivals that you can't love, but certainly admire how well they play the game.  

Patrick Willis is the kind of linebacker that would make the 'Hawks defense (or just about any team) arguably one of the league's best.    

Much like Darrelle Revis, it's a hard not to watch Willis and appreciate all of the little things he does to help his team.  

#20: Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals

One of the best in the business with the potential to be an all-time great.  

Tell me if you would honestly blink if the Cardinals offered Fitzgerald straight up for Sidney Rice? 

When watching Fitzgerald, it's love and hate all at the same time...especially when you consider the 'Hawks have to play him twice a year probably for years to come.  

#19: Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, New England Patriots

At #19, the tone changes a bit.  While Darrelle Revis, Calvin Johnson, Cam Newton, and Mario Williams are the kinds of players you might secretly covet, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski makes you think for a minute.  

Gronk has quite the life and, to his credit, seems keen on getting every last bit out of it.

Unstoppable both on and off the field, he's the kind of guy you envy, but just as easily enjoy seeing taken down a peg.    

Honestly, I'm looking forward to seeing him spend some quality time with Kam Chancellor.

#18: Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers is one of the best in the business at quarterback.  

After all he's been through (slipping in the draft and sitting behind Brett Favre) and how much he's achieved (winning a Super Bowl, MVP, All-Pro), it's understandable that he might have a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

I wish him well, but would love to see Matt Flynn, his former understudy, rise to the occasion in Week 3 on Monday Night Football.  

Let's just hope he taught Flynn well, otherwise Rodgers might end up higher on this list.   

#17: Clay Matthews, Linebacker, Green Bay Packers

Clay Matthews is another Green Bay Packer who has seen a fair degree of success after working his way to the top.

Two points stick for me though.

The fact that he was drafted well after 'Hawks bust Aaron Curry in 2009 in round one and...the hair.

Once again, this is envy.

It's a fantastic head of hair, but why must he flaunt it?    

#16: Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Detroit Lions

Ndamukong Suh was not too long ago considered one of the league's up and coming stars as a rookie, after being the No. 2 pick in the 2010 draft.

Then over the course of the season last year, his image took a hit with accusations of being a dirty player.  Thanksgiving Day in front of a national TV audience, Suh removed all doubt.

I hope for his sake, the Lions, and the entire league, Suh cleans up his act and redeems himself.

Until then I'd keep a close on the big man to make sure we don't have a repeat of the Trent Cole/Russell Okung incident.       

#15: Steve Smith, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers

At #15 we once again change gears as we start to shift gears from players we have a hard time watching, but might actually covet to players we really want no part of.

The next three players are all aging diva wideouts.

They might have something left in the tank, but are they worth the headache? 

Steve Smith had almost 1,400 yards receiving last season as Rookie of the Year Cam Newton's favorite target while getting under the skin of opponents.  

Can he continue to put up big numbers in Newton's sophomore season?

Let's hope not, at least during Week 5 this season.   

#14: Brandon Marshall, Wide Reciever, Chicago Bears

Brandon Marshall isn't terribly old at 28, but he sure has bounced around quite a bit since entering the league in 2006 with the Denver Broncos.  

Now in Chicago with the Bears (his third team), you have to wonder if Marshall will finally get his act together following years of legal, domestic and medical issues.  

Much like Ndamukong Suh, I hope he can, but also hope he doesn't cause too much trouble for the 'Hawks when they meet up in Week 13.   

#13: Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers

Randy Moss.

Those two words should sum up everything.  

If you need any more information, feel free to consult the "Controversy" section of his Wikipedia profile.   

#12: Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins

At #12 on our list, we once again change gears away from talented diva wide receivers to the players who throw them the ball.  

Quarterbacks are more often than not the face of their respective franchises, but some signal callers let the fame and fortune go to their heads.

Not sure about you, but Dolphins rookie Ryan Tannehill looks like the type of player who will live the life and dress the part, but forget who to throw to on Sunday. 

While I doubt we will see much of him this season, by the time the 'Hawks venture to Miami during the second half of the season, he might be getting some snaps.

Either way, now that's he's in Miami, expect to see plenty of him and his wife whether he wins or loses.   

#11: Alex Smith, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers

49ers quarterback Alex Smith was the No. 1 pick in 2005, but until last season he was considered a bust.  

Then, under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, Smith managed to help the 49ers not only win the NFC West, but make it all the way to the NFC Championship game.

And yet, the 49ers thought so much of Smith this past off-season that the team flirted with Peyton Manning following his release from the Colts before resigning Smith to a new deal.

In some ways you almost have to feel sorry for Smith, but at the same time, this is the quarterback who, in two appearances against the 'Hawks last season, managed to slowly pick them apart behind a line that protected him long enough to do just enough to win.

If the 'Hawks pass rush allows Smith to have his way again this season by failing to reach him, it will be really hard not to loathe him...  

#10: Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys

If Tony Romo was the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, would anyone even know who he is?

Yet since he plays for the Cowboys he's had the chance to date Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood, while managing to win...what exactly?

Is he a good quarterback?

Not sure really, but every year the Cowboys seemed poised for big things.  

Sorry, but I'm not buying it.  

#9: Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, New York Jets

Mark Sanchez...the Sanchize.

Ladies love him, girls adore him and he has played in two AFC Championship games, but for all the glitz and glamour, it's hard to tell if he has much staying power in terms of his dedication and talent.

In fact, he's so good the Jets decided to go out and get another quarterback this off-season.

Speaking of which... 

#8: Tim Tebow, Quarterback, New York Jets

Tim Tebow.

Where to begin?

All I can say is that he's probably one of the most talked about figures in sports, yet no one has a clue whether he is good, bad, or something in between.

But that hasn't stopped anyone from talking about him.  

Will he survive in New York?

Who knows, but by the time the Jets come to Seattle in Week 10 he might be the starter.  If so, he might be on yet another magical run, which would certainly make him all the more vexing.  

#7: Jay Cutler, Quarterback, Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler is so unlikeable that I'm not even sure if Bears fans have much love for him.  

As a Vanderbilt graduate, you'd think I'd be all for him, but the more you see and hear about Cutler it's hard to root for him.

Between the injuries, his love life, and general surly persona, Cutler makes himself an easy target.   

If you need any further proof, just check out his recent performance singing "Take Me Out To The Ball-Game" at Wrigley Field.    

#6: Reggie Bush, Running Back, Miami Dolphins

Since he's dated Kim Kardashian, forfeited the Heisman Trophy and has never seemed to do much on the field as a pro, it's hard to like Reggie Bush in any way, shape or form.

Ok, so Bush did have a decent year in 2011 by gaining over 1,000 yards on the ground, but hopefully when the 'Hawks visit Miami to play the Dolphins in Week 12, the defense will be able to shut him down.        

#5: Rex Ryan, Head Coach, New York Jets

Ok, so Rex Ryan isn't exactly a player, but he's still hard to like.  

Rex Ryan is probably the polar opposite of Pete Carroll when it comes to their respective coaching styles.

Carroll is a man of the people who always accentuates the positive, Ryan is a bull in a china shop.  

Loud, brash and all over the place, Rex seemed to have the Jets moving in the right direction, until last season, when the wheels came off.

Can he recover and actually prove that he's a capable coach rather than just full of hot air?  

When the time comes for the Jets to play in Seattle in Week 10, expect Rex to be in rare form whether the Jets are flying high or he's fighting to keep his job.  

#4: Deion Branch, Wide Reciever, New England Patriots

Remember Deion Branch?

The Super Bowl MVP wide receiver that the Seahawks traded for in 2006 who couldn't catch a cold.

Seems now he's okay and is thriving once again in New England.

Now how does that make you feel?

#3: Bill Belichick, Head Coach, New England Patriots

While it might seem kind of high to place Patriots head coach Bill Belichick this far up on the list, I just have a hard time believing he's as good as advertised, especially after the whole "Spygate" incident.

When you factor in his smug persona, the tortured genius that is Belichick isn't likable in the least.  

Making matters worse is that he seems to relish his role, which only makes it all the more frustrating as fans.

At the end of the day though, it's the fact that he wins and does so by smashing your face in it each and every time.  

#2: Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

Speaking of unlikable coaches, get used to Jim Harbaugh, 'Hawks fans.  

Since coming to the 49ers last year, Harbaugh has made his mark on the franchise and could be there for many years to come if he continues to have the kind of success he experienced in year one in San Francisco.

Harbaugh is young, confident, pulls no punches, and is driven to make the 49ers elite.   

When you factor in that he's had an ongoing petty feud with Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll going back to their days coaching in the PAC-10, it only adds fuel to the fire.   

#1: Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots

And at No. 1, a man who is so unlikable that I'm not sure I can cover all of the bases...Tom Brady.

Ten years ago he was America's Golden Boy after taking the game by storm as an unheralded draft pick who led the Patriots to three Super Bowl wins.  

Yet with the passage of time, Brady has lost his luster while trying to balance football, fame and fortune.

Between the hair, dumping a pregnant girlfriend, the UGGs endorsement, and Gisele cursing out his own teammates, Brady is just...well my choice for the one player this year that Seahawks fans should find the most loathsome.  

It also doesn't help that he's capable of dismantling just about every defense thrown at him, with the exception of the New York Giants.  

Let's hope the 'Hawks can put together a game plan to put Brady in his place and off the scoreboard.