The Seattle Seahawks Jake Bobo Delivers a Game Ball to Virginia Mason Medical Center

November 2025

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo is used to stepping onto the football field to the thunderous cheers of a stadium full of people. This week, he found himself carrying a gameday ball in a much different setting–through the quiet halls of Virginia Mason Medical Center. The fan cheers were replaced with grateful applause from the hospital’s cancer care team. Bobo delivered the game ball to JJ Zhang, MD, a urologist at VMFH specializing in urologic oncology. The delivery of the ball signified the culmination of the Crucial Catch, Intercept Cancer campaign and was a symbol of dedication and fortitude.

The Seahawks partnered with VMFH for the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative which helps raise awareness for cancer, promotes cancer screening events, and raises funds to help patients cover the incidental costs of cancer treatment.

Bobo shared a personal story about the profound impact cancer has had on his own life.

“I know all too well how cancer can impact someone’s life and the importance of early detection," Bobo stated.

Last year, he lost his father to sarcoma, a type of cancer. For him, delivering that game ball was a way to recognize those who have been touched by cancer and say thank you to the care teams who stand by their sides during such a difficult journey.

Bobo signed autographs, posed for photos and thanked staff for the care they provide to patients.

Dr. Zhang thanked the Seahawks and Bobo for partnering with VMFH on such an important initiative, and she gratefully accepted the game ball on behalf of the cancer team.

This October, the Seahawks and VMFH teamed up in a number of ways to promote the lifesaving mission of the campaign. To kick off the month, the Seahawks and VMFH raised the Crucial Catch flag at Lumen Field, which waved proudly throughout the month of October.

VMFH, the Seahawks and Safeway also partnered together for a free nutrition and cancer screening event with El Centro de la Raza. The event featured Safeway's Chef Ambassador Joel Gamoran and VMFH Health Nutritionist Bonnie Hamilton, RDN, CD. Together, they provided a cooking demonstration using healthy foods and spoke to participants about how maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent cancer. VMFH distributed the Crucial Catch $10 vouchers. They could be redeemed at any Pacific Northwest Safeway for the purchase of fresh fruit or vegetables.

Other events included a cancer screening event at the Crucial Catch game on Oct. 20. VMFH’s mobile CT trailer was at the game, and fans could get a prostate cancer screening. The prostate cancer screening is a simple blood draw and is at no cost to the patient, thanks to a grant from the Seahawks. At the game, 32 fans were screened for prostate cancer. The blood test helps detect abnormal PSA levels. A high PSA level can be an indication of prostate cancer. Of those screened, all were in the normal PSA range.

During halftime, cancer survivors were also recognized on the field, each patient raising awareness for cancers that can be detected through routine screenings, including breast, colon, lung, skin and prostate.

Steve Morrison, a prostate cancer survivor, was one of the individuals recognized during the game.

"All of us at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health are proud to stand with the Seattle Seahawks to champion the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative," said Joseph Rosales, MD, Executive Medical Director, Cancer Services at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. "Early detection can make a significant difference in the fight against cancer, and through these efforts to spread awareness–from vital screenings to promoting healthy lifestyles–we are empowering our community with the knowledge and resources to take charge of their health. Together, we can intercept cancer and save lives.”