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Michigan's AJ Barner Eyes Another Championship with Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks draft pick A.J. Barner is hoping to win more in the NFL linking up with another former Michigan Wolverine in coach Mike Macdonald.

Jeremy Brener

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end AJ Barner (89) against the Washington
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end AJ Barner (89) against the Washington / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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The Seattle Seahawks haven't won a Super Bowl in a decade, but they are bringing some championship experience to the roster with fourth-round rookie right end A.J. Barner, who just came off a National Championship season at Michigan.

Barner played all 15 games for the Wolverines this year, catching 22 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown. As primarily a blocking tight end, he plays a role that isn't big in the stat sheet, but is key when it comes to wins and losses — and that's all Barner cares about when it's all said and done.

Michigan tight end AJ Barner makes a catch against Rutgers linebacker Deion Jennings during the
Michigan tight end AJ Barner makes a catch against Rutgers linebacker Deion Jennings during the / Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

“I’m here to win championships," Barner said in his introductory conference call. "I love football and I just want to help the team out however I can. It’s an honor to go to a city like Seattle.”

On Day 3 of the draft, pickings can be slim when it comes to the top talent. That's why teams usually seek out players who love football and winning more than anything, particularly as the talent pool thins out after the first three rounds. They are willing to do whatever it takes to win football games, and that's oftentimes the heartbeat of the football team.

The majority of NFL rosters are comprised by players drafted on Day 3, but of course, not every player makes it far in their career. The hope for Barner is that his winning attitude can become infectious around the team and that he makes positive contributions, whether on offense, special teams or off the field.

Before joining forces with veterans such as Noah Fant and Pharaoh Brown in OTAs next month, Barner and the rest of the Seahawks incoming 2024 class will begin their journey through the offseason with rookie minicamp next weekend.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.