Seahawks' Bruce Irvin: NFL drug tested me 8-9 times this off-season

Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin said people think he is using steroids because he has gained 20 pounds over the off-season.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin was tested for performance enhancing drugs eight to nine times this offseason, he told 950 KJR on Monday.

During the radio interview, host Ian Furness mentioned that he had never seen Irvin look so physically fit.

“People think I'm on the juice, man,” Irvin responded.

“No, I can tell this is all natural,” Furness said. “But you spend a lot of time in that weight room.”

Irvin explained that he lifts weights every day, even when it is not his team-scheduled day to lift. He said he played at 245 pounds last season and currently weighs in at 265 pounds.

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“I got tested eight, nine times this year, bro,” Irvin said. “But they can test me all they want. You can't test for hard work.”

Irvin said his inspiration for his increased dedication to his fitness was a desire to remain competitive against future Seahawks draft picks.

“I'm just trying to reach my potential and not be labeled as a bust,” Irvin said. “I've been working hard and its going to show.”

Irvin was selected by the Seahawks in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft out of West Virginia, and has played 43 games for Seattle across three seasons, making 25 starts. He logged 28 tackles in 2014, and made two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns.

- Erin Flynn