Seattle GM John Schneider Appreciative of His Opportunity

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Every so often, John Schneider will see what's happening with other franchises around the NFL and his personal appreciation for what's taken place during his tenure as general manager in Seattle is reinforced.

Schneider knows what's happened here over the past six seasons is unique. It's why he agreed to a contract extension last week that will keep him employed by the Seahawks through the 2021 season.

"It always fluctuates and changes with different ownership groups, but this is clearly a top-3, top-5 team in terms of ownership in the league and obviously we're biased so we would say it's (No.) 1," Schneider said Thursday. "Like I said, having a strong owner and a strong president is extremely important."

Schneider spoke with reporters as the Seahawks were preparing to begin training camp Saturday. The team announced last Sunday that Schneider had agreed to an extension and two days later announced a three-year extension for coach Pete Carroll, keeping the tandem in charge of Seattle's football operations at least through 2019.

They knew little of each other when Carroll and Schneider were hired in January 2010. Since then, the pair has led the Seahawks to success never before seen in franchise history.