I think we can all agree the end of the Russell Wilson era in Seattle was not as smooth as we all hoped it would be. Instead of Russell Wilson being the Seahawks version of Philip Rivers, Eli Manning or Matt Ryan, staying with the same team (until maybe a quick stint at the end) for the entirety of his career, things went south.
Contract disputes, reported power struggles, differing opinions on offensive scheme and playing style led to Wilson seeking greener pastures in the Mile High City. Instead of being a lifelong Seahawk, Wilson forced an ugly divorce to become a Denver Bronco, and we all know how that story ended.
But time heals all wounds. However messy the exit may have been, the memories remain evergreen. Wilson was indisputably the best quarterback in franchise history, and helped usher in the golden age of Seahawks football. As such, it seems Seattle brass has sent a small token of their appreciation to Wilson. An olive branch, if you will.
Forever Grateful. @Seahawks pic.twitter.com/Jdnu2pmN3m
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) July 2, 2024
One of the great shames of Wilson leaving was the fact he never got to wear the beloved throwbacks, and we as fans never got to see him play in one. Likely never will. But to see him get his own throwback jersey is a class act from the Seahawks organization.
Popular players having bitter ends with their teams is nothing new, especially in Seattle. What matters is how both sides can find a way to mend fences, and in this regard, the Seahawks have excelled.
Bobby Wagner, Richard Sherman, Russell Wilson, and even to lesser extent Doug Baldwin and Kam Chancellor, never got a storybook ending. Even Hall of Fame safety Kenney, whose No. 45 jersey hangs retired in the rafters at Lumen Field, had a bitter end. They were often marred by business, brutal injuries and perceptions of disrespect. Yet they all seemed to come back into the Seahawks fold eventually. That speaks volumes to the character of the organization and the desire to keep good relations with their best players.
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