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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman understood he was facing an extremely difficult decision if his girlfriend, Ashley Moss, went into labor Sunday. He wouldn't commit to playing in the Super Bowl if that were to happen, but he won't have to worry about that as Moss isn't expected to go into labor Sunday.

Continue for updates.

Sherman Announces He Will Play in Super Bowl XLIX

Sunday, Feb. 1

Marc Sessler of NFL.com confirmed Sherman will play today, via SI.com's Peter King:

'I am playing today,' the All-Pro Seahawks cornerback texted Peter King before Seattle's Super BowlXLIX showdown with the New England Patriots. [...] King said on NBC's Super Bowl pregame show that Sherman told him the newborn is showing great restraint, after the cover man told reporters this week that 'he's going to be a disciplined young man and stay in there until after the game.'

Eric Decker Comments on Sherman's Decision

Saturday, Jan. 31

Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday provided comments from New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker, who weighed in on Sherman's decision:

Well, it's different when it's a girlfriend and a wife,'' Decker said on WFAN radio. "So I think if it was my wife giving birth, you know, ultimately I believe my purpose is to be a father and a husband. It's easier said now because I'm not preparing for the game and I'm not in that situation. But with a clear mind, I guess, thinking about that situation he's in -- I mean, you never want to be in it. You've gotta time your conception a little better, I would say. But I would be there for my wife and my newborn child.'

Pete Carroll Comments on Sherman's Potential Absence

Friday, Jan. 30

John Boyle of the Everett Herald reported Carroll's thoughts on the situation:

CNN's Rachel Nichols also reported that Carroll would support Sherman's choice, whatever it may be.

Sherman Comments on Possibility of Missing Super Bowl for Birth of Son

Thursday, Jan. 29

Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com passed along comments from the outspoken defender. He noted a recent trip to the doctor suggested his son shouldn't arrive quite yet, but there are no guarantees. He's trying not to worry too much about it in the meantime.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Sherman said. "We're not thinking about the possibility."

Sherman reiterated his faith that his son will make his arrival after the Super Bowl, via Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports:

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He also talked about the added motivation of having a child on the way.

"It's someone that actually depends on you for everyday living," he said. "Everything they do is dependent on you and how you provide and how successful you are. As a parent, you want to set a great example for them, so I guess, to a degree, a lot of things are riding on it."

Sherman is one of the best players expected to play in Super Bowl XLIX. His ability to virtually shut down an entire side of the field causes major game-planning obstacles for opponents. That's especially true for a team like the New England Patriots, which relies heavily on the passing game to move the ball.

Sherman's girlfriend is in Arizona for the big game, and he said protocol is in place to handle various scenarios—just nothing concrete should it come down to playing the game or being there for the birth.

If nature calls on Sunday and he decides not to play, the Seahawks would find themselves in a bind. Tharold Simon is the most likely candidate to get the call opposite Byron Maxwell in Sherman's absence. It would be a significant drop-off.

That said, Sherman is cautiously optimistic he won't be forced to make that choice. He would love to win the Super Bowl and then welcome his son to the world, making for a remarkably memorable week.