Russell Wilson thanked Seattle on his way out. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson 'forever grateful' to Seattle ahead of move to Broncos

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/9/22

Just when fans thought the biggest NFL news of Tuesday would be the widely reported return of Aaron Rodgers to the Green Bay Packers that he later kind of/sort of confirmed, word broke that the Seattle Seahawks agreed to terms on a blockbuster trade that involved them sending one-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for a boatload of assets.

Wilson’s contract includes a no-trade clause and allowed him to block a move to other would-be buyers, such as the newly named Washington Commanders. Reports surfaced later on Tuesday that Wilson preferred Denver over Washington, and the 33-year-old took to Twitter Wednesday to offer a fond farewell to what has been his football home since the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft:

SEATTLE, I Love You.

Forever Grateful.

#3.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 9, 2022

It's understandable this would be a bittersweet week for Wilson, who made two Super Bowl appearances with Seattle and whom Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times named "the most important and vital player" in Seahawks history. Wilson directly said in late December he hoped he wasn't about to play in his last home game with his then-employer ahead of Week 17, and he recently told NBC’s "TODAY" show that "Seattle's the place that I'm at right now and I love it."

By trading Wilson and then moving on from All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, the Seahawks made it clear they're ready for a fresh start, one that may involve them pursuing Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson in the near future depending on the outcome of his ongoing legal situation.

Wilson, meanwhile, can view Peyton Manning and Tom Brady as mentors as it pertains to winning at least one championship with a second team.

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