Drafted in the 4th round of the 1990 NFL Draft out of Ferrum, running back Chris Warren would become one of the most productive backs in franchise history, rushing for 6,706 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns in eight seasons in Seattle.
Warner primarily played special teams during his first two seasons, serving as the kick and punt returner, but would become a focal point of the Seahawks’ offense after earning the lead back role in 1992. In his first season as a starter, Warren ran for a team-high 1,017 rushing yards.
The 1992 season was the first of four consecutive years in which Warren ran for at least 1,000 yards including 1994 when he rushed for a career high of 1,545 yards. He finished second in the NFL in rushing that season, trailing only NFL Legend Barry Sanders, and was awarded his second Pro Bowl and first All-Pro nomination.
Warren followed up with another Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in 1995 by rushing for 1,346 yards and career-high 15 touchdowns on the ground. He became the first player in franchise history to be named the team MVP in consecutive seasons.
Warren’s time in Seattle ended following the 1998 season where he would go on to play three more seasons, spending time with the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. The small-school product etched himself in the Seahawks’ record book as he was the franchise’s all-time leading rusher until Shaun Alexander surpassed his mark in 2005.