Russell Wilson’s climb to greatness as a member of the Seattle Seahawks was the result of Russ’s own work and talent, and the coaches and players he had around him.

But Mike Holmgren is revealing that a “curious” Wilson used him as a resource even though Holmgren had departed Seattle.

"He’s very curious,’" Holmgren said of Wilson, noting that Russell was interested in the coach’s previous experience working with the likes of Joe Montana, Steve Young and Brett Favre. "He was very inquisitive. I told him, 'If I lived through Brett, I can live through anything.'"

Wilson is now “living through” his own difficult time after a year with the Denver Broncos following last offseason’s blockbuster trade out of Seattle. 

Per Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, Holmgren made it clear he worked to make sure he wasn’t stepping on the toes of the Seahawks administration that followed him.

"I was keeping my distance there because when he was with Seattle, I got to know him and he would text me and ask me questions,’’ Holmgren

 there because when he was with Seattle, I got to know him and he would text me and ask me questions," Holmgren said. "I’m the old coach. I’ve got to be careful. You’ve got other guys coaching. Let’s keep it like that."

Holmgren said positive things about what Wilson might accomplish in 2023 thanks to "great coaching" from new Denver boss Sean Payton.

"I’m a fan of his and I believe in him," Holmgren said.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Former NBA Coach of the Year defends Jayson Tatum's team-first style of play
Colts NFLPA rep sends warning to Roger Goodell about 18-game schedule
Marlins place left-hander on 15-day injured list
Flyers considering buying out two veterans coming off career-worst seasons
Kevin Garnett sends warning to Timberwolves about Anthony Edwards
Mavericks HC gives bold Jaylen Brown take
Braves to promote top pitching prospect for MLB debut on Sunday
Rays reinstate pitcher, place fellow southpaw on 15-day IL
Why USA Basketball's Caitlin Clark Olympics decision is best for everyone
Rangers, GM discussing contract extension
JR Smith sends warning to Dan Hurley as Lakers rumors swirl
Lions' Dan Campbell pulled out amazing ‘Anchorman’ analogy
Report: Kings forward seeking exit from team
Lions docked OTA session due to violation
Iga Swiatek cruises to third consecutive French Open title
Caitlin Clark puts recent controversy involving Chennedy Carter to bed
Yankees MVP candidate receives MRI results on injured forearm
Carlos Alcaraz has chance to take over men's tennis with historic French Open victory
Ex-Patriots RB says Bill Belichick 'being stuck in his ways' sabotaged Mac Jones
Dodgers rookie ace dominates vs. Yankees in New York

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.