Kitsap fans watch NFL Draft with Seahawk players

The Seattle Seahawks draft hype came to Kitsap County when current and former Seahawks held the second annual draft party at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino.

Defensive end Darrell Taylor hosted the event and tight end Colby Parkinson and defensive end Alton Robinson headlined the current players while former defensive back Eddie McMillan, running back Randall Morris and kicker Norm Johnson headlined the Seahawk alumni.

“The reason we decided to come over and partner with Clearwater is because the people on the Peninsula and outliers don’t get a chance to get personal with players and get the fan experience,” McMillan said

Johnson said he wanted to come back so he had a reason to see his family and friends he still has living in the county.

The casino has been able to build relationships with the Seahawks over the last few years. Since Morris and McMillan are president and vice president of the NFL Alumni Association, they wanted to begin reaching out to expand their support. The two sent a proposal to the casino’s marketing team, which saw it as an opportunity that could not be passed up.

Curtis Patnode, part of the marketing team, said they stepped it up compared to last year’s draft party.

“When Randall and Eddie first started the Draft Party, it was to create an event giving a unique experience for fans to meet, take pictures and get autographs from current players and former players,” Patnode said. “Clearwater Casino wanted to give the 12th Man Fan base in Kitsap an opportunity to get that same experience without having to travel across the water.”

Before hundreds of fans crowded the event center at the casino, both sides worked diligently behind the scenes to make sure everything went smoothly. While Morris and McMillan found players, the casino worked hard to invite guests, figure out food options, sell tickets, set up decorations and make sure the hotel could handle the reservations and event.

“Clearwater Resort is a big part of the community,” McMillan said. “The resort is able to give back to the community and let them share the Seahawks experience that they will not be able to do.”

Once the event started, Patnode described the best feeling was seeing all the smiles on fans, despite being dazed at Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon being picked fifth overall by the Seahawks.

Not only did the fans enjoy the experience, but McMillan and Johnson said they looked forward to heading to the draft party to meet fans and escape their households.

“I’m out here in Maple Valley and live on a little farm and keep to ourselves,” Johnson said. “I did a lot of events back during the Super Bowl but now I don’t get out much. The food is going to be exciting to me, the atmosphere and excitement in the room—seeing Seahawks fans, they bring a lot of energy.”

McMillan added, “There has not been this much anticipation for a Seahawks draft in a lot of years. We also don’t get to see each other as much as we used to so we get to tell our lives and meet some fans and current players.”

In addition, the players, casino and fans all benefitted from the draft party in unique ways. “We get to invite some of our VIP Players to attend this event, which gives our Player’s Club value that other casinos don’t have,” Patnode said. “Also, this is the only event like this that is open to the public, to purchase tickets and attend.”

As for the players, they get the opportunity to let fans know what they are doing within the community. Lastly, fans were able to help low-income student members qualify for nationals and future conferences for financial assistance with Onalaska Future Business Leaders of America Chapter.

“It’s very important because we have been blessed to do something and have a lifestyle that most people can only dream of,” McMillan said. “We want to use our platform as a vehicle to give back to society and help people less fortunate than ourselves.”

By the time the Seahawks selected Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the 20th pick, the Seahawk alumni and current players cracked jokes with themselves and fans. McMillan and Johnson also shared their draft experiences.

“You didn’t go to New York. You didn’t walk across the stage and hug the commissioner,” McMillan said. “You were in class, had a transistor radio and when you heard your name called, you got called out of class and go to the nearest phone and call the team and say, ‘Hey! Thanks for drafting me!’”

Although the fans had mixed feelings about the Seahawks’ picks, they enjoyed seeing some of their favorite players. “When Taylor, Parkinson and Robinson get a sack or catch a TD pass during a game, I’ll tell whoever will listen that I met those guys and show them my pictures from this event,” Patnode said.