Russell Wilson breaks silence on reports of wanting Pete Carroll fired for Sean Payton
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has made headlines regarding his former head coach, Pete Carroll.
Rumors surfaced that Wilson had reportedly asked the Seahawks to fire head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider. The report stated that he wanted them both fired last February and that he wanted the team to hire Sean Payton as his replacement.
Bombshell: Russell Wilson asked #Seahawks ownership to fire coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider last year, sources told @TheAthletic
The team instead traded him to the #Broncos
theathletic.com/4243182/2023/0… https://t.co/tLKOlQYFTX
Wilson quickly responded to the allegations this morning via Twitter, denying the rumor and stating that he loved Pete and never wanted him or John fired.
Wilson Tweeted:
"I love Pete and he was a father figure to me and John believed in me and drafted me as well. I never wanted them fired. All any of us wanted was to win. l’ll always have respect for them and love for Seattle."
I love Pete and he was a father figure to me and John believed in me and drafted me as well. I never wanted them fired. All any of us wanted was to win.
l’ll always have respect for them and love for Seattle.
Wilson's lawyer wrote to the website stating that the story is extremely fabricated. Nevertheless, the two parties did split up around the same time.
On March 16, 2022, the Seahawks traded Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-round pick, Shelby Harris, Noah Fant, and Drew Lock.
Upon being traded to the team, the Broncos gave Wilson a five-year, $245 million extension that included $165 million in guaranteed money, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos struggled this season while Pete Carroll and the Seahawks made the playoffs
While the trade seemed like it would propel the Broncos into competing for the AFC West, they struggled in Wilson's first year with the team. The team also hired Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired prematurely after the start of the 11-4 season.
The Broncos finished the year with a 12-5 record, which was last place in the AFC West. Wilson had the worst season of his career statistically, posting his lowest passer rating, completion percentage, and yards in a single season.
The Seahawks finished their season 9-8. The team made an unlikely playoff appearance with Geno Smith as their quarterback. With Wilson having a career-worst season, Smith had the best season of his career which saw him lead Seattle to the playoffs.
As of now, the break-up seems to favor the Seahawks, who have acquired a few key players as well as draft picks for Wilson and his contract.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Russell Wilson, The Athletic, and H/T Sportskeeda