Seattle Seahawks: Waiting For Wilson (Video)
By Paul Taylor
Seattle Seahawks: Waiting For Wilson (Video)
Several months before the Seattle Seahawks actually drafted Russell Wilson, I was well aware of him. However, before you accuse me of anything, I don’t say this to try and make out like I knew the Seahawks were going to end up with a franchise quarterback.
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No, the reason I had heard all about Wilson was because of a certain Mike Salk at ESPN Seattle, who continually raved about the 26-year old. To his credit, the popular radio personality was pretty much imploring the Seattle front office to draft the man who would become king, although not many people shared his opinion.
Heck, when Wilson was picked in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft, experts such as Mel Kiper and Peter Prisco questioned the selection. At least you can all take comfort in the fact you were in good company.
The reason I’m sharing this is because I was reminded of Salk’s comments during a segment that was aired on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” ahead of week 14’s games. Entitled “Waiting for Wilson”, the special feature took a look at what went into the Seahawks decision to select Wilson.
Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) hoists the Lombardi trophy as general manager John Schneider watches after Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 43-8. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Schefter and a couple of colleagues interviewed key members of the Seattle organisation, including GM John Schneider, head coach Pete Carroll and Wilson himself. Unsurprisingly, the Seahawks as a whole had Andrew Luck rated higher.
However, what was interesting was that Schneider saw things slightly different. Apparently, he was the one member of the front office who graded Wilson as highly as Luck.
Fortunately for the Seahawks, they listened to their GM and the rest, as they say, is history. Here’s the video for those who missed it, or anyone who just wishes to watch it again: