Earl Thomas Says He Wants to Be a Seahawk for Life as Trade Rumors Swirl

Safety Earl Thomas issued a statement on Twitter on Saturday and said he wants to be a member of the Seattle Seahawks "for life" after telling a sports radio show in Ireland his future in the Pacific Northwest was uncertain. 

"Hold on everyone. Let's not get it confused, I want to be a Seahawk," Thomas wrote. "I want my jersey retired in the ring of honor with the other greats that came before me. I love being in Seattle. The winning culture we have established I want to be part of it for life!!"

Speaking to Ireland's Off the Ball (h/t ESPN.com's Brady Henderson) on Friday, Thomas said he wasn't sure how much longer he would be with the Seahawks. 

"Hopefully I stay, but right now, nobody knows," Thomas said. "It's a guessing game, so we'll see."

Thomas has one year remaining on his four-year, $40 million contract, and his name has cropped up in trade rumors since the start of the new league year.

According to CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora, Seattle has discussed Thomas with "several teams" and is seeking at least a first-round pick and third-round pick in return for the three-time All-Pro. 

"In my case, whether I'm in Seattle or anywhere else, I'm going to be rich and happy regardless," Thomas told Off the Ball. "So it's a cut-throat league, but if you're at the top of your game and you don't give them any reasons to devalue, you're good. That's just how I look at it."

On Saturday, Thomas clarified those remarks. 

"I don't want my comments to get confused with the truth...when I'm asked tough questions about my future in Seattle, I don't know any other way but to be honest and tell my truth on how I see it," he wrote. "Keep in mind when I'm asked "what ifs," I'm always coming from a perspective of a gambling man that's willing to bet on myself if my back is against the wall and things are out of my control. But never for a moment think I want to leave this beautiful city."