Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) meet after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium.  Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Shanahan: Father wanted to draft Russell Wilson over Kirk Cousins in 2012

Kyle Shanahan's father, Mike, might still be coaching in the NFL if he drafted the quarterback he wanted to in 2012.

The younger Shanahan said Monday on "The Rich Eisen Show" that his father had his eyes on now Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Washington traded up to select Robert Griffin III second overall. 

"I remember in Washington we already took RG3 and Kirk (Cousins) I ranked as the higher guy," Shanahan said. "Before we made that trade, I wanted to take him in the second round. My dad loved Russell Wilson and he planned on taking him in the fourth round. 

"And then when we took Robert, he told me all along if Russell Wilson was there in the fourth round -- he was going to take him."

Things could have been very different if Washington landed Wilson. The Seahawks star has the second-most passing touchdowns (267) in his first nine seasons in the NFL, has the fifth-most passing yards (33,946) and the second-highest passer rating (101.7).

If Washington had selected Wilson, maybe it would have more than three playoff appearances since 2012.

Washington head coach Ron Rivera could have selected a quarterback in this year's draft, but opted to put his trust in Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke instead. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars
MLB announces punishment for Astros' Ronel Blanco over foreign substance
Vikings HC shares big Justin Jefferson contract update
Rafael Nadal switches gears, gives major update on French Open status
DeMar DeRozan confirms desire to return to Bulls
Mavericks defense rises to occasion in Game 5 win vs. Thunder
Steelers to make history in final two months of 2024 season
Packers will play on Thanksgiving with a rare twist in 2024
Steelers veteran reportedly plans to sit out OTAs
Padres pitcher has honest reaction to team getting booed off the field
Athletics place lefty on 15-day IL, transfer infielder to 60-day
Atlanta to be first race of NASCAR's In-Season Tournament
West Point alum made history in his MLB debut with Reds
Heat legend cautions Lakers against hiring JJ Redick
Welcome to the WNBA: Caitlin Clark sets infamous record in debut
Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to blowout win in Game 5 vs. Pacers
Nikola Jokic torches DPOY to lead Nuggets past Wolves in Game 5
Oilers use late heroics to tie Canucks at two games each
Watch: Astros pitcher ejected after foreign substance check

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.