‘Curious’ Russell Wilson Relationship with Holmgren Revealed

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.