Defying the Odds: How Seahawks Star Derick Hall Turned 1% Into a Legacy

Some stories make you stop and appreciate the sheer will of the human spirit. Derick Hall’s is one of them. Born at just 24 weeks, Hall had a 1% chance of survival. The odds were stacked against him from day one. But nearly 24 years later, he isn’t just surviving—he’s thriving. As a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks, Hall has become a symbol of perseverance, inspiring thousands who have faced similar challenges. And on his birthday, the Seahawks made sure to celebrate his journey in a way that reminded everyone just how remarkable it truly is.
The Seahawks’ official X account honored Hall with a heartfelt post that read, “Against all odds,” alongside an image of a young fan holding a sign that read:
"I was born at 24 weeks. Derick Hall, you remind me I can do anything! Your mama inspires my mama! Go Hawks.”
For Hall’s mother, Stacy Gooden-Crandle, the moment was surreal. She was once in a Mississippi NICU, praying for her son’s survival. Now, she watches him dominate on the football field.
"I sit in awe sometimes in the stadium like, ‘I just can’t believe this is our life,’” she told The Seattle Times. “To know all the adversity that he faced and the grit and the hard work and the dedication that he had just to be great. Sometimes I just sit in the stadium and I’m like, ‘God, how did we get so blessed?’”
Hall’s road to the NFL wasn’t just improbable—it was almost impossible. His first days were spent on life support, battling complications like brain bleeds and lung issues. Doctors weren’t sure he’d ever walk, let alone play sports. But as a kid, he was restless, full of energy, and eager to prove he was just as capable as anyone else.
Football became his passion, and by high school, he was a force to be reckoned with. At Gulfport High, he excelled in multiple sports, showing the world that his early struggles hadn’t held him back. His talent led him to Auburn, where he became a star and, eventually, a 2023 NFL Draft pick for the Seahawks.

But it wasn’t until college that Hall truly understood the magnitude of his journey.
"When she showed me those pictures, I was like, ‘That’s me?’ and her response was, ‘Yes.’ I was like, ‘There is no way,’” Hall said.
That moment shifted his perspective. His story wasn’t just his—it was one that could inspire countless others.
Hall didn’t want to just succeed—he wanted to make a difference. That’s why he founded the Derick Hall One Percent Foundation, named after the odds he was given at birth. The foundation supports premature babies, fights food insecurity, and promotes youth fitness.
On Valentine’s Day, he returned to Memorial Hospital in Gulfport—the same place that fought to keep him alive. But this time, he wasn’t the patient. He was there to give back.
"Our lives started here," his mother said. "Even though most of the staff that took care of Derick is no longer here, it’s still a way to pave a road to show other families that when you give, so much is given back to you.”
Hall’s rise in the NFL is just beginning. After a breakout 2024 season with 8 sacks and a defensive touchdown, he’s proving he belongs among the league’s best. But ask him about his journey, and he won’t dwell on the struggles.
Also Read: Will the NFL Ban the ‘Tush Push’? Green Bay Packers Push for Rule Change at League Meeting
"I try not to think about it as much as I can because it’s still very emotional for me and obviously my family,” he admitted. “I don’t think that’s something that will ever get old. But just being able to be here after going through all that and defying the odds… A lot of guys really don’t have this opportunity.”
Derick Hall is living proof that the 1% can make all the difference. His story isn’t just about football—it’s about resilience, purpose, and the power of never giving up. And as his career continues to soar, one thing is clear: his impact reaches far beyond the field.