Video: Fans react to Shaun Alexander's leaving Seattle

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SEATTLE – The Shaun Alexander era in Seattle is over.

Seattle Seahawks President Tim Ruskell announced Tuesday that the team is cutting ties with the 2005 NFL MVP.

"It's a tough decision. We appreciate everything that Shaun did. We feel like we wouldn't have made that run to the Super Bowl in '05 without his talents and his production," said Ruskell.

Alexander is recovering from off-season surgery for a cracked wrist. He had to pass a physical before Seattle could release him, otherwise Alexander could have filed an injury grievance.

The move was widely expected after the team picked up free agent running backs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett in the off-season to bolster a running game that has stumbled the last two years.

Alexander released a statement, saying he still feels energized and is ready to play for another NFL team.

AP

Shaun Alexander's MVP season in 2005 led the Seattle Seahawks to a win over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship Game and a trip to Super Bowl XL.

"I want to thank the Seahawks and Coach Holmgren for all they have done for me and my family over the years," said Alexander. "I especially want to thank the Seahawks fans. You made me feel proud every time I stepped on the field as a Seahawk."

Reaction among Seahawks fans is mixed, with some people shocked, while others aren't surprised.

"Are you serious?" exclaimed Erin Naes of Seattle when she heard the news.

In 2005, Alexander led the NFL with 1,880 yards and set a then-record for touchdowns with 28 during the Seahawks' run to the NFC championship. He was rewarded with a big contract, but injuries slowed him down the past two seasons, racking up only 1,612 yards and 12 touchdowns combined.

The most noticeable change to the Seahawks' running game the past two years with Alexander and backup Maurice Morris was the inability to convert on short yardage situations, something Alexander excelled at during his most productive years. Some NFL experts say the loss of guard Steve Hutchinson to the Minnesota Vikings two years ago was also a contributing factor.

Most fans we spoke to say they still believe Shaun has a little something left in the tank.

"I think he's got some bad raps, some of it justified. Wish him well and thank him for all the good stuff," said Casey Rice of Seattle.

"I don't know if it's the end of his career. I think it probably felt like the right time in Seattle," said Joan Dingfield of Bremerton.

Some think Alexander had a major impact in the community.

"I think that's what makes him the best, or one of the best, is overall, his morals. What he does off the field as well," said Naes.

Pastor Casey Treat of the Christian Faith Center says Alexander just finished spending three weeks teaching young people.

"He's there. He gives his time, his ministry as well as his money, so he's the real deal and we're sad he's leaving the Seahawks, but we'll now that he'll continue on and do something good," said Treat. He believes that Shaun, who met his wife at the church, will probably remain in the area during the off-season.

The 30-year-old running back is scheduled to earn $4,475,000 in 2008. He has received $18.8 million in base salary so far on his $62 million, eight-year contract, which Steiner at the time said was the richest ever for an NFL running back. Alexander has also received about $13.5 million guarantees through signing and other bonuses.

The eight-year veteran from the University of Alabama is the Seahawks' all-time touchdown leader with 112.

(KING 5's Chris Daniels and The Associated Press contributed to this report.)