Seattle, WA – In a surprising move, the Seattle Seahawks have decided to release rookie tight end Mitch Van Vooren just nine days after signing him as an undrafted free agent. The announcement came from head coach Mike Macdonald as he evaluates the team’s roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Van Vooren’s journey to the NFL is not what one might expect. He started his athletic career as a standout in track, specializing in the 400-meter hurdles at Marquette University, where he even set a school record. Transitioning to football, Van Vooren played at St. Norbert College in Division III, where he made an impressive mark with 65 receptions, 1,045 yards, and 13 touchdowns across two seasons. His performance earned him First Team All-NACC honors in 2024.

With the release of Van Vooren, the Seahawks are focusing on building a strong and competitive roster for the season ahead. The team is looking to capitalize on the talent of Sam Darnold, their new star quarterback, and aims to improve in all positions on the field. This offseason and training camps are vital for evaluating players and figuring out the best fit for the team.

Coach Macdonald’s swift decision to part ways with Van Vooren highlights the high expectations set for the team. As they prepare for another challenging season in the NFC West, every player is being closely assessed, and only the best will make the cut as the Seahawks aim to contend with their rivals.