THE APEX TIMES
Drafted by the New York Giants in 1978, Doornink became a key part of Seattle’s early identity, including a 1984 playoff highlight and a transition to a medical career back in Yakima.
The Seattle Seahawks announced the death of running back Dan Doornink on Saturday at age 70, honoring him as a team legend and a Yakima native.
Doornink was drafted by the New York Giants in 1978 and traded to Seattle in 1979, beginning a seven-season run with the Seahawks that included the franchise’s first playoff appearance in 1983.
In seven seasons with Seattle, he appeared in 105 games and rushed for 1,836 yards with 15 touchdowns, numbers the team cited as part of his impact during the early Seahawks era.
He was particularly remembered for a 123-yard rushing performance that helped Seattle defeat the Los Angeles Raiders in the 1984 Wild Card game at the Kingdome.
After his football career, Doornink earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Washington and returned to Yakima to practice internal medicine, according to the Seahawks.