SEATTLE – Ken Lucas said his preference was to never step foot in this city again.

“I have no choice now,” he said.

Tonight, there’s no place Lucas would rather be. The Panthers’ cornerback spent the first three years of his career with the Seahawks, originally a second-round draft pick out of Mississippi. Lucas started, on occasion excelled, and when he became a free agent left the Seahawks and signed with the Panthers. He will take the field with Carolina tonight against his former team in the NFC Championship Game at Qwest Field.

“I had a funny feeling my career in Seattle was over with them because they had too many other guys to sign,” Lucas said. “Everything worked out for both teams. We both are here at the same spot trying to go out there and reach for the same goal.”

Lucas had five interceptions in three years in Seattle, but has 12 in two seasons in Carolina.

“It’s kind of like watching your little brother grow into a superstar,” Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander said.

“I am not surprised how he is playing,” said Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren. “I wanted him to stay. I thought Kenny was our best defensive back. If you remember, at the end of last season, we had 16 free agents, the front office was in a little bit of turmoil here and by the time we got things fixed here, Kenny got out of here.”

Asked if he ever felt totally appreciated in Seattle, Lucas said, “To be honest, no. I think they knew I was a good player, but I just feel happy that I am here now. I feel like I am in a place where I am supposed to be.”