Arguably the two best teams in the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams renew their rivalry this Sunday at SoFi Stadium, with first place in the NFC West at stake. And while much of the attention this week may land on former Rams now playing in the Pacific Northwest – Cooper Kupp, Ernest Jones, Derion Kendrick – a former Seahawk cloaked in Midnight Mode may be flying under the radar.
Poona Ford went undrafted in 2018, because history said he was too short to play defensive line in the NFL. He was picked up by the Seahawks as a college free agent, made the roster, earned a second contract, and called Seattle home for his first five professional seasons.
A prized free agent signing by the Rams this season, he remembers his first trip to Los Angeles well. After all, he was playing inside The Coliseum across the field from another undersized defensive tackle who inspired his career.
"My mom bought me his jersey in college," Ford said of Aaron Donald, who was midway through his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year campaign that fall. "I wanted to meet him (after the game), but I guess he had other plans."
If you recall the moment, you'll understand why we were both laughing at the memory. Donald was a bit preoccupied postgame, after the Rams defeated the Seahawks 36-31 to improve to 9-1. Instead of being available to a shy and reverential Ford, AD99 was busy shedding his shoulder pads, buckling up his helmet, and making a beeline to confront Seattle center Justin Britt over a late hit and ensuing scuffle that had occurred earlier in the contest.
Years after Donald's retirement, his legendary intensity and animosity towards the Seahawks continues to flavor this series. Only now, Ford is on LA's side, after playing 10 games against the Rams as a rival. In 2025, he's spearheading a vastly improved defense that will be challenged by Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and his former club.
On a new Rams Revealed, Ford reflected on his time as a Seahawk, his perception of Sean McVay as an opposing player, and how he measures success as a run-stuffer who embraces the dirty work on defense.
A man of very few words, we managed to keep Ford in the hot seat for more than 15 minutes, which speaks volumes about the magnitude of Sunday's first-place showdown.
Full episodes of Rams Revealed are available on YouTube or in audio format wherever you get your podcasts. Get tickets to see the Rams host the Seahawks and Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium here.
