Riq Woolen on His Relentless Drive: ‘I’m Here to Push Myself Every Single Day’
Posted October 28, 2025
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen has made a name for himself with his strong performances on the field, but it’s his unwavering drive and determination that set him apart. After a standout rookie season that earned him a Pro Bowl nod, Woolen has continued to evolve, showing the world that he’s not content with just resting on his past achievements. Instead, he’s laser-focused on improving every single day, whether in practice or during games, always striving to be the best version of himself.
In a recent interview, Woolen shared his mindset when it comes to his work ethic and the future: “I’m not here to get comfortable. I’m here to push myself every single day. Whether it’s in a game or practice, I know what’s at stake, and I’m putting everything I have into it. I’ll keep working until I’m where I want to be.”
These words reflect Woolen’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his refusal to settle for anything less than the highest level of performance.
For Woolen, the journey to greatness is ongoing. Despite his impressive achievements, including being selected to the Pro Bowl in his first year, he sees no finish line. Instead, he recognizes that the road to becoming an elite cornerback in the NFL requires constant self-improvement. His commitment to daily growth is evident both on and off the field, as he’s continually refining his skills and focusing on the details that will help him elevate his game.
This mindset is part of what makes Woolen such a valuable player for the Seahawks. His dedication extends beyond his own personal development and positively impacts the team. As a leader in the defensive backfield, his work ethic sets a tone for his teammates, encouraging them to put in the same effort and commitment to growth. It’s this kind of leadership, combined with his physical talent, that makes Woolen one of the most promising young players in the league.
For the Seahawks, having a player like Woolen, who is so driven and determined to improve, is a huge asset. It’s not just about what he’s done; it’s about what he’s still capable of achieving. With his relentless drive, it’s clear that Woolen has the potential to be one of the league’s top cornerbacks for years to come.
As the season progresses, Woolen’s work ethic will undoubtedly continue to pay off. Whether it’s making game-changing plays on the field or pushing himself and his teammates to new heights in practice, one thing is certain: Riq Woolen is just getting started, and he won’t stop until he reaches the top.
Stroud’s Path Clears as Broncos Secondary Takes a Hit
Coming off what Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans called “one of his best games,” C.J. Stroud received good news to start Week 9.
Injuries are unfortunate, and the Texans are no stranger to enduring their own losses. Still, the recent news coming from the Denver Broncos before their visit to face Stroud and the Texans bodes well for the third-year QB.
Stroud must still take advantage of the situation.
Broncos’ Loss Good News for C.J. Stroud, Texans
Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain II – an All-Pro, a Pro Bowler, and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year – will miss facing Stroud and the Texans due to a pectoral strain incurred in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.
The exact severity of the injury is unclear, though he could land on injured reserve, and Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported Surtain is “expected to miss 4–6 weeks.”
Week 9 is all that matters for Stroud and the Texans.
Stroud threw for a season-high 319 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception on 76.9% completion against the 49ers in Week 8. He has a 1,623-11-5 line on 66.8% completion this season, and his job in Week 9 presumably got much easier.
The Broncos are 6-2, have won five straight games, and boast the NFL’s top pass rush with 36 sacks and are fifth in scoring.
C.J. Stroud Will Have Opportunities Against Broncos Secondary
Stroud made a point to cite spreading the ball around and getting it out of his hands as keys to his success against the San Francisco 49ers. On paper, the Broncos present a rather intimidating challenge.
They are allowing a league-low 56.8% completion in pass coverage.
Broncos cornerback Riley Moss is the most targeted defender in the league, and he has the lowest completion percentage allowed of any defender targeted at least 40 times in coverage at 45.3%, per Pro Football Focus.
However, nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian (69% on 20 targets) and second-year fifth-round selection Kris Abrams-Draine (100% on five targets) could prove vulnerable.
The Broncos do have Jahdae Barron, the 20th overall selection in the 2025 draft.
He has allowed six receptions on 12 targets this season and recorded his first career interception in Week 8 against the Cowboys. If Barron draws the start or plays more than Abrams-Draine, Stroud and the Texans could still have options elsewhere against the Broncos.
Moreover, Stroud and the Texans could do more than benefit from a subtraction by the Broncos.
Nico Collins ‘Trending Toward Return’ vs Broncos
Stroud was without his top two wide receivers against the 49ers, with Christian Kirk sidelined with a hamstring injury and Nico Collins in concussion protocol.
Ryans offered little in his day-after media availability.
However, there was encouraging news, with KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reporting in a post on X on October 27 – after Ryans’ comments – that, “Collins, per source, is doing well and trending toward return at this point.”
That Stroud performed as he did without Collins should bode well for the Texans when the 2024 Pro Bowler returns to the field.
If that is Week 9, it is even more encouraging for Stroud and the Texans than Surtain’s absence.
