John Schneider stands as a towering figure in the Seattle Seahawks organization, embarking on his 15th season as general manager in 2024 and now also holding the title of president of football operations. This expanded role, assumed in January 2024, underscores the immense trust and respect he commands within the franchise. Schneider’s influence permeates every facet of the Seahawks’ football operations, from meticulously managing the roster and orchestrating the annual NFL draft to leading the crucial head coach hiring process that culminated in the appointment of Mike Macdonald, the Pro Football Writers of America’s 2023 Assistant Coach of the Year. His journey with the Seahawks began on January 19, 2010, when he joined as general manager, adding the distinction of executive vice president in 2013, solidifying his position as a key architect of the team’s sustained success.
Entering his 32nd year in professional football in 2024, John Schneider’s enduring philosophy revolves around building a championship-caliber team through strategic drafting and supplementing the roster with shrewd acquisitions via trades and free agency. This approach has fostered an environment of sustained competitiveness and positioned the Seahawks as a perennial contender in the fiercely competitive NFL.
The tangible results of Schneider’s roster-building strategy are undeniable. Over the past decade-plus, the Seahawks have consistently been among the league’s elite, advancing to the Divisional Playoffs or beyond on seven occasions. Most notably, he meticulously constructed the team that reached back-to-back Super Bowls, culminating in the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. That 2013 championship team was particularly remarkable, achieving victory with the youngest 53-man roster ever to win a Super Bowl, a testament to Schneider’s ability to identify and develop young talent. His exceptional leadership and vision were recognized in 2012 when Sports Illustrated honored him as Executive of the Year after the Seahawks’ playoff appearance and near NFC Championship berth.
During his tenure alongside head coach Pete Carroll from 2010 to 2023, the Seahawks amassed the sixth-best regular season record in the NFL, boasting a 137-89-1 record. They are one of only seven teams to achieve at least 130 wins during this period. The Seahawks demonstrated remarkable consistency, achieving 10 or more wins in five consecutive seasons (2012-2016) – a franchise first – and repeating this feat in eight of the last twelve seasons, while also securing five NFC West Division titles under their leadership.
Schneider’s proactive approach to roster management is evident in the sheer volume of transactions he has overseen. Since 2010, he has orchestrated over 3,600 roster moves, consistently refreshing and strengthening the team’s depth. This relentless pursuit of talent ensures the Seahawks maintain a competitive edge and possess one of the most talented rosters in the NFL.
The 2023 NFL Draft exemplified Schneider’s strategic acumen. Armed with an additional first-round pick (No. 5 overall) acquired in the Russell Wilson trade with Denver, he selected Devon Witherspoon, who quickly emerged as a Defensive Rookie of the Year contender, tying for fifth in the NFL with 16 passes defended. Furthermore, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (No. 20 overall) made an immediate impact, securing the second-most receptions by a rookie in franchise history with 63 catches.
Schneider and his scouting department’s exceptional work were recognized with the 2022 Best Draft Award by Inside the League founder Neil Stratton at the 2023 NFL Combine. This prestigious award, voted on by fellow scouts and personnel executives, highlighted the remarkable success of the 2022 draft class. This class produced seven players who made significant contributions across offense, defense, and special teams, including five starters: Coby Bryant, Charles Cross, Abraham Lucas, Kenneth Walker III, and Riq Woolen. Woolen was a finalist for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, while Walker was in contention for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Lucas and Cross achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first rookie tackle duo to start a team’s first 15 games since the 1970 NFL merger. The Seahawks led the league in rookie contributions in 2022, ranking second in games started by rookies (70) and rookie offensive and defensive snaps played (4,868).
While some initially criticized the 2012 draft class outside of Seattle, John Schneider’s vision proved prescient. This draft is now celebrated as one of the most impactful in NFL history, yielding potential Hall of Famers in Bobby Wagner and Russell Wilson, along with foundational players like Bruce Irvin, Jeremy Lane, and J.R. Sweezy. Notably, a 2012 fifth-round pick (LB Tank Carder) was strategically utilized in the 2010 trade that brought Marshawn Lynch to Seattle, further demonstrating Schneider’s long-term planning and resourcefulness.
Throughout his tenure, Schneider has consistently demonstrated a willingness to be aggressive and creative in acquiring draft capital and young talent through trades and free agency. In his inaugural 2010 NFL Draft as Seahawks GM, possessing two top-14 picks, he secured Pro Bowl tackle Russell Okung and three-time first-team All-Pro safety Earl Thomas.
Schneider’s masterful orchestration of trades is a hallmark of his general manager tenure. He executed 13 trades in 2010, 12 in 2017, and 13 in 2019, strategically accumulating draft picks and adding veteran leadership to the Seahawks roster. His trades have brought in impactful veterans and promising young players including Jamal Adams, Duane Brown, Chris Carson, Kam Chancellor, Chris Clemons, Jadeveon Clowney, Charles Cross, Michael Dickson, Quandre Diggs, Carlos Dunlap II, Jimmy Graham, Percy Harvin, Bruce Irvin, Tyler Lockett, Marshawn Lynch, Boye Mafe, DK Metcalf, Jarran Reed, Richard Sherman, Golden Tate, Bobby Wagner, and Leonard Williams, showcasing his ability to identify and acquire difference-makers through various avenues.
Under Schneider’s leadership, the Seahawks roster has featured 15 first-team All-Pro selections since 2012. In stark contrast to the pre-Schneider era, where the roster lacked Pro Bowl representation from 2009-2010, his tenure has seen 30 different players selected to the Pro Bowl from 2011-2023. These Pro Bowlers include Bobby Wagner (9), Russell Wilson (9), Earl Thomas (6), Kam Chancellor (4), Marshawn Lynch (4), Richard Sherman (4), Michael Bennett (3), Quandre Diggs (3), Doug Baldwin (2), Nick Bellore (2), Duane Brown (2), Jimmy Graham (2), DK Metcalf (2), Geno Smith (2), Max Unger (2), Jamal Adams, Cliff Avril, Brandon Browner, Michael Dickson, Shaquill Griffin, Tyler Lockett, Julian Love, Jason Myers, Russell Okung, Tyler Ott, Michael Robinson, Leon Washington, Devon Witherspoon, K.J. Wright, and Riq Woolen. Remarkably, all of these players, except for Max Unger, were acquired via the draft, trades, or free agency after Schneider assumed his role, further highlighting his transformative impact on the Seahawks roster.
Before his impactful tenure with the Seahawks, John Schneider honed his expertise over eight successful seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He initially joined the Packers on March 1, 2002, as a personnel analyst to the general manager, and his rapid ascent within the organization led to his promotion to director of football operations in May 2008. In this pivotal role, Schneider served as strategic counsel to General Manager Ted Thompson, contributing to crucial decisions in free agency and the draft, while also implementing long-range planning processes for both the Packers and the entire NFL.
Prior to his return to Green Bay in 2002, Schneider gained valuable experience with the Kansas City Chiefs (1997-1999), the Seattle Seahawks (2000), and the Washington Commanders (2001), serving as vice president of player personnel for the Commanders in his final year before rejoining the Packers.
Schneider, a Wisconsin native from De Pere, began his NFL journey as an intern with the Green Bay Packers in the summer of 1992 under the mentorship of Executive Vice President/General Manager Ron Wolf. After graduating from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, Schneider returned to Green Bay, serving as a pro personnel assistant for four years (1993-1996). During this period, he played a vital role in signing free agents who would become instrumental in the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXI victory.
In 1997, Schneider transitioned to the Kansas City Chiefs as director of pro personnel. It was in Kansas City that he first collaborated with Marty Schottenheimer, whom he would later join in Washington. With the Chiefs, Schneider’s responsibilities encompassed scouting players with professional experience in the NFL, NFL Europa, and the CFL. He also undertook advance scouting of all Kansas City opponents and played a key role in free agent acquisitions.
In 2000, Schneider returned to Seattle as director of player personnel, reuniting with both Ted Thompson and Mike Holmgren, with whom he had previously worked in Green Bay.
Schneider joined Marty Schottenheimer in Washington in 2001 as vice president of player personnel, overseeing all aspects of the player personnel department, including college and pro scouting, the college draft, free agency, and daily player evaluations and operations. His responsibilities included building and managing Washington’s scouting staff, a process that involved hiring 15 personnel staff members and implementing a new scouting system. In this role, Schneider served as a key advisor to Schottenheimer on all personnel matters.
Beyond his impactful contributions to the Seahawks on the field, John Schneider and his wife Traci have demonstrated a deep commitment to the community through “Ben’s Fund,” launched in 2012. Named after their oldest son, Ben, who is on the autism spectrum, “Ben’s Fund” provides grants to young adults and families to help with the financial burdens associated with autism, such as medical bills and therapies. With remarkable community support, they have raised over $5.1 million for “Ben’s Fund,” awarding more than 3,400 grants totaling nearly $3.1 million over 13 years.
In addition to fundraising, the Schneiders spearheaded the creation of the “A-OK Sensory Room” at Lumen Field in 2019 to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for guests with sensory needs. In 2022, the room was renovated and renamed “Ben’s Room.” This dedicated space provides a safe and calming refuge for individuals who may need a break from the overwhelming sensory environment of Seahawks gamedays.
John Schneider also serves on the GM Advisory Committee and the Club Executive Committee Working Group, contributing his expertise to the broader NFL landscape. He holds a degree in history and also studied education at St. Thomas, where he briefly played college football before a shoulder injury curtailed his playing career.
Born on May 25, 1971, Schneider was a standout running back at De Pere’s Abbot Pennings High School, setting school rushing records. He and Traci are the proud parents of two sons, Ben and Jack. John Schneider’s journey from a Packers intern to the President of Football Operations for the Seattle Seahawks is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to building a winning culture both on and off the field, solidifying his legacy as one of the most respected and successful general managers in the NFL.
