“Look, it’s remarkable,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said of Okada’s play this season. “It really is. He’s just—his tackling all year has been phenomenal. I’m thinking of a play in Atlanta, he’s coming across, making a play. He’s a tough son of a gun and takes great angles and trusts it.”
Said Okada, who now has 62 tackles, three tackles for loss, six passes defensed, an interception and a fumble recovery this season, “I’m just super thankful that the coaches, my teammates, they have that trust and faith in me to go out there and understand my role in this defense and go and execute. It’s awesome getting to play with the 10 other guys on this defense. Everybody flies around. Everybody, you know, plays extremely fast and physical. And so just to be able to own my role and help the team in any way that I can, I’m extremely thankful for it.”
But while Okada is grateful for the opportunities that have come his way this season and staying humble about his success, his teammates and coaches can’t help but marvel at the play of the one-time Montana State walk-on turned practice squad player turned defensive standout for an elite NFL defense.
“It’s been a great story and a great year for Ty,” said Love. “He’s battling, he works his ass off, obviously filling in for me, right now for Bean (Bryant), and he we don’t miss a beat. He steps in—early in the game, he’s making his presence felt. He’s making his presence felt on the sideline, a few of their players mentioned how well he’s playing. He’s done a great job, and he’s made a name for himself, for sure, which I love to see.
“He grinds, he puts in the work. He’s at the facility super early every day, taking care of his body, meeting extra with coaches. He’s just a true pro. Before the game, he’s with a pen and the call sheet, going through, writing notes on stuff before every series. If you hear him—I’m sure you probably hear him from the press box. He’s calling out what personnel they’re in, down and distance, situation, he’s doing everything off the field to be successful, so it’s no surprise that he can go into a role and do well.”
