Sherman’s newest Seattle supporter had never heard of him before

Melissa Adams admits she’d never heard of Richard Sherman before his outburst Sunday. But now the Seattle mom says she’s one of his biggest fans.

Adams was among the millions who caught his post-game rant following the Seahawks epic win over San Francisco in the NFC Championship. At first, she says she was put off. But as video of the interview and all the comments blew up her Facebook feed, she started digging in to Sherman’s story.

“I started seeing all these negative posts. I went and I looked at it again and he didn’t say anything bad. He wasn’t rude to Erin Andrews. I had a little back and forth with my friend in California about it.”

Now, Adams has become one of Sherman’s staunchest defenders.

“I read everything about him. I just adore him. I just love the fact that he grew up in Compton and graduated as valedictorian and then went on to Stanford. He just sounds like a fascinating guy to me. I just love him now.”

She’s not alone. Thousands who’d never heard of Sherman or paid much attention to the outspoken Seahawk have become some of his biggest backer’s. They’re following him on Twitter and Facebook, posting messages of support and sticking up for him in the face of harsh and sometimes racist criticism.

“I can’t believe the horrible things people are saying. It really upset me,” she says. “I’m just so mad at how the media are portraying him. Even Matt Lauer was saying things about him and I just don’t think people get the whole picture. And I don’t think one tiny sound bite is enough to let people know who he is as a person.”

So how is it possible Adams had never heard of Sherman before?

“I just don’t pay that much attention to the defense. I know who Russell Wilson is and Marshawn Lynch is,” she laughs.

But now she not only knows who Sherman is, she’s proudly sporting his number.

“I went to the Seahawks Team Store and there were a lot of people buying Sherman jerseys. I bought one for myself and my daughter and her friend because I feel like he needs some support.”

Clearly, he’s got plenty.