Seahawks' Pitcock out of gloom, back to light

RENTON – Quinn Pitcock knows there will be other bumps in the road – times when his issues with mild depression will be challenged.

But for now, the 26-year-old is pleased to have tamed the demons enough to make it back to the practice field.

As they did with wide receiver Mike Williams in April, the Seattle Seahawks threw a line to the former Ohio State All-American, signing him to the 80-man roster on Thursday. To make room, Seattle released wide receiver Mike Hass.

Pitcock has not been in the NFL since abruptly retiring from the Indianapolis Colts in 2008. A third-round selection by the Colts in 2007, Pitcock had received considerable playing time as a reserve defensive tackle, finishing with 18 tackles and 11/2 sacks his rookie season.

Heading into his second season Pitcock was expected to challenge for a starting spot. However, Pitcock never reported to training camp, saying he was not ready mentally to continue playing football. He announced his retirement soon after.

“We figured out that it’s been going on four years, maybe even back to high school,” Pitcock said about his depression. “And I’ve always had a tough time going back to camp. That was normal – it kind of is normal because it’s camp.

“But I think every camp I felt like that, and this time for some reason – I was hard on myself. I’m a perfectionist. I never think I work hard enough watching myself on film, so I didn’t think I was good enough mentally for the team.”

Pitcock remained in Indianapolis and disappeared into the insular world of video games to escape his personal demons. Eventually, playing video games became his sole purpose in life. That’s when Pitcock knew he needed help.

And he received it – counseling for depression and anxiety – with assistance from the NFL Players Association. He spent last season propping himself up mentally and getting back into playing shape. And after the Colts waived him earlier this week, the Seahawks decided to take a flyer on him.

Pitcock knew Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley from his time in Tampa Bay. The Bucs’ coaching staff worked with him three years ago at the Senior Bowl.

Defensive line coach Dan Quinn, then defensive line coach for the Jets, also remembered Pitcock from the Senior Bowl, and thought he’d be a good fit for Seattle.

“I thought he had good, initial quickness,” Quinn said. “I thought maybe he’d be a good inside rusher and stuff like that. And so when we had the opportunity to bring him in here and give him a shot and take a look, I thought he’d be good for us.”

Pitcock said Seattle wants him to work as an inside pass-rusher, and he’s excited about the opportunity to get back to playing the sport he loves.

“I got to a point where I so worried about everything because it’s going to affect football,” Pitcock said. “I can’t do a dive off the diving board because I may get hurt. So I went back to my inner child. I’m having fun now and doing fun things. And I’m not nervous about doing it. I’m living life to the fullest more.”

LOSMAN A HAPPY GUY

He peered into the camera lens, waving his hand while flashing a big smile.

“Hello, hello, camera!” joked Seahawks quarterback J.P. Losman during an interview with a reporter after practice.

Losman feels good these days after working himself back to an NFL roster, with the help of a productive United Football League season.

So far the former first- round pick from Tulane has been the more impressive quarterback in his competition with Charlie Whitehurst for the No. 2 position behind veteran Matt Hasselbeck.

During practice Losman has appeared confident behind center, regularly zipping the ball into tight windows and quickly getting his offensive players out of the huddle and lined up for the upcoming play.

Losman said he’s been pleased with the amount of work he’s been getting so far in camp. He continues to look sharp during individual and teams drills.

“The amount of reps that I’ve been able to get so far has been a lot,” Losman said. “I didn’t know what to expect during camp. I didn’t know how they were going to do it. But I’ve been going in there. I’m getting reps with the one, two and threes. I’m getting reps with everything. And I’m getting more and more comfortable with everybody, day in and day out, so it’s nice.”

But he’s also looking forward to playing against guys with different color jerseys.

“We’re having a great time out here, all three quarterbacks, the whole team, everybody,” Losman said. “This is just a total different atmosphere than I’ve ever been around at this level, and we’re having a great time. But it will be nice to go out and showcase your talents against someone else, so we’re all looking forward to that as well.”

Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437 eric.williams@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks

Seahawks training camp

Okung watch: Day 6

Offensive tackle Russell Okung has missed eight practices and remains unsigned. However, indications are the two sides are nudging closer to an agreement and he could be in camp soon.

“We’re making some progress so we’ll see how it goes,” general manager John Schneider told ESPN 710 Seattle on Thursday, when asked when Okung would be in camp.

When asked how important he believed it was for Okung to be on the field for the first week of camp, Schneider said he though it was critical.

“He’s missing time,” Schneider said. “And he’s a rookie. No matter where you take a guy in the draft, even the rookie free agents, if anybody misses time due to a hamstring pull or anything like that, it’s critical.”

Heygood’s return short-lived

Linebacker Anthony Heygood’s return to the Seahawks was a short one. Long snapper Matt Overton was released and Heygood was signed back to the 80-man roster after letting him go just before training camp. But during warm-up for the morning practice Thursday, the Purdue product suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon. He will likely be put on the injured reserve list. Heygood’s injury left Seattle with only six healthy linebackers on the roster.

Extra points

Linebacker Aaron Curry (headaches) missed his fourth day of practice in a row after suffering a concussion during a collision with Justin Forsett on Saturday. ... Punter Jon Ryan worked on kicking field goals during the morning practice, with wide receiver Ruvell Martin serving as the backup holder for the second-team field goal unit. ... The Seahawks will host a practice at Husky Stadium on Sunday. Admission and parking at the stadium is free. Fans can park in any lot next to Husky Stadium and may enter any gate. Gates will open at 12 p.m. with practice beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Quoteworthy

“These safeties and corners are coming down on me pretty tough right now. But it’s only going to make me better and make them better, and I’ll take it and get up and keep working.”

– Forsett, on the pounding he’s taking from the defense during camp.

Eric D. Williams, staff writer