Richard Seymour has been a defining force in modern NFL defensive play, combining elite technique and football IQ. This overview captures the most relevant performance metrics to understand his impact at the highest level.
Below is a structured snapshot of Seymour’s core statistical profile, drafted team, position, and peak production markers.
| Player | Richard Seymour |
|---|---|
| Position | Defensive Tackle |
| Draft Info | Round 1, Pick 6 (2001), Oakland Raiders |
| Primary Teams | Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots |
| Pro Bowls | 5 (2003–2007) |
| Sacks | 66.5 |
| Fumbles Forced | 9 |
| First Team All-Pro | 3 (2003, 2004, 2006) |
| Super Bowl Wins | 3 (XXXVII, XXXVIII, XXXIX) |
Physical Tools and Pass Rush Metrics
Seymour’s frame and explosive moves created consistent pressure despite playing with stacked boxes. His vertical set and hand usage gave him an edge in one-on-one matchups.
Below is a focused table translating tape-driven traits into measurable pass rush outcomes.
| Metric | Value | Peak Season | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Sacks | 66.5 | 2006 | 13.0 sacks leading the NFL |
| Career QB Hits | 320+ | 2003–2007 | Consistent disruption in the pocket |
| Sacks Per 100 Downs | Above 5.0 | 2003–2006 | Elite rate for interior lineman |
| Times Tackled for Loss | 100+ | Career | Run defense and short-yardage stop |
Run Defense and Tackling Metrics
Seymour’s value extended beyond the edge, anchoring the interior run game with disciplined gap discipline and shed blocks. His tackle numbers reflect durability and reliability in the box.
He routinely occupied double teams, freeing teammates to make plays in space.
| Season | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Assisted Tackles | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 57 | 41 | 16 | 7.0 |
| 2004 | 39 | 30 | 9 | 3.0 |
| 2005 | 48 | 38 | 10 | 2.0 |
| 2006 | 46 | 37 | 9 | 3.5 |
| 2007 | 36 | 30 | 6 | 2.0 |
Playoff Production and Big-Game Stats
Seymour’s metrics in the postseason underscore his ability to elevate when pressure was highest. He contributed key sacks and stops on the biggest stages.
Reviewing playoff data highlights his clutch performance profile.
| Playoff Year | Team | Sacks | Tackles | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Raiders | 1.0 | 4 | 0 |
| 2003 | Patriots | 1.0 | 9 | 1 |
| 2004 | Patriots | 2.0 | 12 | 0 |
| 2005 | Patriots | 2.0 | 18 | 1 |
| 2006 | Patriots | 3.0 | 10 | 1 |
Health, Longevity, and Availability Metrics
Staying on the field was central to Seymour’s consistency. Teams built game plans around his ability to anchor the line and control interior gaps over multiple seasons.
The following table outlines his durability trends across his career.
| Season | Games Played | Games Started | Injury Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 16 | 10 | Rookie, limited snaps in parts |
| 2002 | 14 | 14 | Minor ankle issue |
| 2003 | 16 | 16 | Healthy Pro Bowl year |
| 2004 | 16 | 16 | Healthy, Super Bowl XXXVIII |
| 2005 | 16 | 16 | Healthy, Super Bowl XXXIX |
| 2006 | 16 | 16 | Healthy, league leading sacks |
| 2007 | 14 | 14 | Week 12 hamstring |
| 2008 | 14 | 14 | Missed final two with injury |
| 2009 | 6 | 1 | Released midseason |
Legacy and Key Takeaways
- Elite interior pass rusher with 66.5 career sacks and 5 Pro Bowl selections
- Three-time first-team All-Pro and cornerstone of the Patriots’ dominant defense
- Prolific in big games, with impactful playoff sacks and forced fumbles
- Exceptional durability, starting in the majority of games across his career
- Played a vital run defense role by controlling gaps and freeing linebackers
FAQ
Reader questions
What teams did Richard Seymour play for and how many sacks did he get with each?
He played primarily for the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots, recording 66.5 career sacks with his highest single-season total (13.0) coming in 2006 with New England.
Was Richard Seymour ever a first-team All-Pro?
Yes, he earned first-team All-Pro honors three times (2003, 2004, 2006) and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
How many Super Bowl rings did Richard Seymour win and in which years?
Seymour won three Super Bowl rings (XXXVII, XXXVIII, XXXIX) all with the New England Patriots during the early-to-mid 2000s.
What were Richard Seymour’s key run defense stats during his peak seasons?
During his peak, he posted consistent tackle numbers in the 40s per season with multiple tackles for loss, excelling at occupying blockers and limiting interior yardage.