Russell Wilson Says He Didn’t Initiate Broncos Trade, Says ‘It Was Mutual’
Written by SOURCE on March 17, 2022
Just a week after trading superstar quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, the Seattle Seahawks organization released statements on Wednesday suggesting that Wilson was responsible for initiating the trade.
“While Russell made it clear he wanted this change, he made Seattle proud and we are grateful for his decade of leadership on and off the field,” Seahawks owner Jody Allen said in a statement. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reiterated Allen’s words, saying, “As Jody stated, Russ’ desire in doing something different afforded the organization an opportunity to compete in multiple ways.”
And in yet another statement, Seattle’s general manager John Schneider said that “it became evident that Russell was interested in playing elsewhere.”
In his introductory press conference with the Broncos, however, Wilson rejected the notion that he was the catalyst for the split.
“I didn’t initiate it,” Wilson said. “It was definitely mutual along the way. There has definitely been a lot of conversations. It hasn’t been my initiating anything. But it is what it is.”
Wilson added, “I’m happy to be here, that’s all I know. Obviously I’m happy about the 10 years I had. I think we’ll have to read about it later, we’ll have some fun in a book someday, maybe. We’ll have some good stories.”
Over the course of ten seasons in Seattle, Wilson led the Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, winning the Lombardi Trophy with a victory over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.
In exchange for the nine-time Pro-Bowler, the Seahawks are receiving quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-round pick. The Broncos will receive a fourth-round pick in addition to Wilson.
