Just 12 Hours After Signing a Record $20 Million Deal With Commanders, After 3 Failed Attempts to Return to Seahawks, Former Superstar CB Declares He Will Still Find a Way Back in the Future

Posted Mar 28, 2026

Washington, DC – Just 12 hours after signing a record $20 million deal with the Washington Commanders, Ahkello Witherspoon declared that he would not give up on the hope of returning to the Seattle Seahawks in the future. This is the team he considers "home" in his heart.

Witherspoon has had a notable NFL career, playing for the 49ers, Seahawks, and Commanders. However, his attempts to rejoin the Seahawks through multiple contacts with the team's front office were unsuccessful.

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He shared on social media: "My heart will always belong to the Seahawks; that's where I gave everything I had. Even though the team has rejected me, I won’t let that discourage me." Witherspoon continues to work tirelessly every day to improve himself.

Unable to return to Seattle, Witherspoon signed with the Commanders, stating he would keep working harder each day. He believes that a new opportunity will come his way in the future.

His $20 million deal with the Commanders is a significant step in his career, though Seattle still remains the place he hopes to return to.

The Seahawks fanbase not only remembers Witherspoon’s contributions but also highly values his loyalty to the team. Many fans express regret that he couldn’t make his return.

One fan wrote: "He’s a great player, and his determination makes me proud. I hope he comes back someday."

Although Witherspoon has moved on to the Commanders, he hasn’t given up on the hope of returning to the Seahawks. He continues to maintain his determination and belief in a new opportunity.

This has touched many Seahawks fans, who respect his unwavering commitment. Witherspoon’s loyalty to the team is truly admirable.

Witherspoon has shown his ability and talent throughout his career, especially during his time with the 49ers and Seahawks. He has always worked hard to improve.

This isn’t the first challenge Witherspoon has faced in his career. However, he has overcome every obstacle and is always ready to face the future.

Witherspoon’s determination has made him a role model for many young players. He has shown everyone the importance of perseverance and effort.

Though Witherspoon’s career with the Seahawks has ended, the love and respect from the Seahawks community remains unchanged.

With each new step, Witherspoon hopes for a chance to return to Seattle one day and continue contributing to the team he loves.

Seahawks Community Mourns the Loss of a Top UDFA Prospect Who Died in a Tragic Car Accident Before His NFL Dream with Seattle Could Begin
Seattle, Washington – The NFL community, especially Seattle Seahawks fans, is deeply saddened following the heartbreaking news that a former Washington Huskies defensive lineman and EDGE prospect has passed away at just 23 years old after a devastating car accident. Sad News: Former Washington DL Voi Tunuufi passed away in a car accident on Sunday 😔Voi was only 23 🙏 pic.twitter.com/NyRqlr8Gfh — College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) May 5, 2026 The young defender was widely regarded as one of the most intriguing high-upside talents in the recent undrafted free-agent pool. Just weeks after the NFL Draft, he had already drawn attention from multiple teams, with the Seattle Seahawks reportedly showing strong interest. Multiple insider sources indicated that Seattle was preparing to explore signing him as a UDFA — viewing him as a potential “hidden gem” with the physical tools, college experience, and relentless mentality to compete for a roster spot. At 6-foot-1 and 282 pounds, the former Huskies standout carried the kind of power, toughness, and pass-rush ability that often makes evaluators take a second look after draft weekend. Many analysts believed he had the potential to become an immediate rotational piece on an NFL defensive line, with enough upside to develop into something more if placed in the right system. For a franchise like Seattle — known for uncovering overlooked talent and turning undrafted players into fan favorites — his story felt like it was just beginning. His dream of wearing the navy blue and neon green was so close. Then tragedy struck. The devastating news was confirmed the following day by friends, former teammates, and members of the Huskies football community. The Washington program quickly shared a tribute on social media, sending prayers to the player’s family, loved ones, and former teammates who had shared the field with him. Those who knew him described him as more than just a football prospect. He was remembered as a relentless competitor, a loyal teammate, and a young man whose smile and energy left a lasting impact everywhere he went. He was born and raised in South Jordan, Utah, in a close-knit family with deep support around him throughout his football journey. During his college career, he appeared in 52 games for Washington without redshirting, starting 14 of them and recording approximately 86 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks. He played a meaningful role in helping Washington reach the CFP Championship in 2023 and later earned the L. Wait Rising Defensive Lineman of the Year award for the Huskies in 2024. His former high school coach, Brandon Matich of East High School, once described him as “the best football player I have ever coached — and an even better human being.” After going undrafted, he continued training, participated in Washington’s Pro Day, and adjusted his position to improve his professional chances. According to information from his family and the University of Washington, the player who passed away was Voi Tunuufi, the former Huskies defensive lineman and EDGE rusher. Tunuufi died on Sunday, May 4, 2026, in a serious car accident. He was only 23 years old. The Seahawks’ reported interest was viewed as clear proof of his hidden-gem potential — a fiery Polynesian athlete known not only for his toughness on the field, but also for his bright smile and positive energy away from it. The Seahawks and Huskies communities are now flooding social media with photos, highlights, and memories of Tunuufi. Many Seattle fans have written: “We never got the chance to welcome him, but he will forever be part of Seahawks Nation.” Voi Tunuufi’s NFL dream with Seattle ended far too soon and too suddenly. The entire world of college and professional football can only offer its deepest condolences to his family. Voi Tunuufi – 2003-2026. Rest in peace, young warrior. May the Tunuufi family find strength during this difficult time. The Seahawks community and everyone who loved Voi will always remember his radiant smile and fighting spirit.

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