Heath Farwell
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Career Summary
Heath Farwell was an NFL linebacker and special-teams standout who later became an NFL special teams coordinator.
Farwell played 114 regular-season games for Minnesota and Seattle, totaling 111 defensive tackles. He later coached special teams for Seattle, Carolina, Buffalo and Jacksonville.
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Early Life
Farwell grew up in Fontana, California.
A Panthers coaching biography identifies Fontana as Farwell's hometown.
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High School
Farwell was a defensive MVP at Corona High School.
He made 129 tackles and 10 sacks as a senior, earning first-team All-Mountain View League honors. He also competed in baseball and track and field.
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College Career
Farwell played at San Jose State and San Diego State before entering the NFL.
Farwell earned San Jose State Freshman of the Year honors in 2000, then transferred to San Diego State. As an Aztec, he was the defensive MVP in 2004 and recorded two interceptions; in 2003 he made 52 tackles, including seven behind the line of scrimmage.
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Path to the NFL
Minnesota signed Farwell as an undrafted free agent in 2005.
Farwell began his NFL career with the Vikings, playing six seasons there before joining Seattle.
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NFL Career
Farwell played 10 NFL seasons and established himself as a core special-teams contributor.
Farwell played for Minnesota from 2005 through 2010 and Seattle from 2011 through 2014. He collected 159 career special-teams tackles, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries and a blocked punt.
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Career Accomplishments
Farwell earned a Pro Bowl nod as a Vikings special-teamer and won Super Bowl XLVIII with Seattle.
Farwell's 2009 Minnesota season included 18 special-teams tackles and two fumble recoveries, earning Pro Bowl recognition and a PFWA All-NFC selection. Seattle later won Super Bowl XLVIII with Farwell as a key special-teams player.
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Playing Style
Farwell built his career through special-teams versatility and dependable coverage work.
The Panthers described Farwell as excelling on special teams, while Seattle named him a two-time special-teams captain. His 2011 Seahawks season included 21 special-teams tackles and a blocked punt that helped set up a go-ahead touchdown.
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Legacy
Farwell's career links San Diego State, special-teams excellence and a Super Bowl champion Seahawks roster.
San Diego State lists Farwell among its Super Bowl participants following Seattle's victory after the 2013 season.
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Post-Career
Farwell transitioned directly into NFL special teams coaching.
His coaching path includes Seattle, Carolina, Buffalo and Jacksonville. The Jaguars named him special teams coordinator in 2022, and their 2025 guide describes 10 seasons of NFL coaching experience.
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Sources for this section
20761, 00-0023215, 1981-12-31, Heath Farwell, Heath, Farwell
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