NYT Profiles the Hawks' Hammer

The New York Times coverage leading up to Super Bowl XL today included a story on former University of Arkansas defensive back Ken Hamlin, who was enjoying his second season with the Seattle Seahawks when he was seriously injured in a fight outside a Seattle nightclub after being hit in the head with a metal street sign. "Hamlin, a starting safety known for his ferocious hits and nicknamed the Hammer, had a fractured skull and a blood clot near his brain."

The Times story, "The Seahawks' Genuine 12th Man" details how Hamlin's team and teammates have supported him through his recovery (the 'Hawks continued to pay his salary although not obligated to since the injury happened off the field) and how he is supporting his team.

Hamlin's career return to football remains in question and the nightclub incident is still under investigation.

Seahawks' Genuine 12th Man [NY Times]