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Pete Carroll Gets Cryptic on What it Means for Seahawks to Win Over Russell Wilson in His Broncos Debut

NFL insider believes we're witnessing the end of the Pete Carroll-Russell Wilson partnership after the team's disappointing 3-7 start to the season

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 05: Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson (3) celebrates after a play with Head Coach Pete Carroll in the first half during the NFL Playoff Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles on January 05, 2020 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire)

Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson were once a tight knit pair.

Now, not so much, as it was quite obvious to anyone watching the two aren’t exactly on great terms. Appearing Tuesday on 710 ESPN Radio in Seattle, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was asked whether the 17-16 victory was “validating.”  Carroll instead called the win “really rewarding,” especially for former players who attended the game. The former players included cornerback Richard Sherman, running back Marshawn Lynch, receiver Doug Baldwin, defensive end Cliff Avril, and linebacker K.J. Wright. They raised the 12 flag before the game started.

Via ESPN:  

“I didn’t need the validation,” Carroll said. “I just wanted to win. I wanted to win for all of the reasons that come along with this one. Maybe as much as anything is representing the guys that have played before. It meant a lot to those guys. I was so thrilled to be able to hug those guys up and see them and look them in the eye.”

Carroll was asked why the win meant so much to the former players.

“You figure that out,” Carroll said. “It was really meaningful and they really wanted it and I knew we were playing for a lot more than just the regular stuff. We have a real connection with the history. . . . They feel it and they love the fact that they played here and they love seeing us do well. On this night, they realized there was a big opportunity and a big statement to be made. The game isn’t about an individual player here or there. It’s about team. This is the ultimate team sport and it’s been stated so many times before. It takes everybody.

“Sometimes when so much focus goes, it just rubs guys wrong I guess, or whatever. But I’m thrilled that we won that game. It was significant for a lot of reasons beyond just it’s the first game of the year and all that.”

Sounds like a lot of guys possibly resented Russell. We know Baldwin and Richard Sherman seemed to call out Russell after the game. 

Not many breakup end good, or they probably wouldn’t end at all.


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