Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks' John Schneider addresses Russell Wilson rumors

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/28/23

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider didn't deny a report that claimed Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson tried to get him fired last year.

Schneider did, however, have some fun about the subject at the NFL combine on Tuesday.

"I have no idea what you’re talking about," Schneider initially said about the story, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. The executive then cracked a smile and admitted he was joking.

"Honestly, like water under the bridge," Schneider continued, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

Kalyn Kahler, Mike Sando and Jayson Jenks of The Athletic reported ahead of this past weekend that Wilson "asked Seahawks ownership to fire both" Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll in February 2022. That story added that Wilson wanted former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton to replace Carroll.

Schneider instead traded Wilson to the Broncos last March. Wilson now has Payton as his coach in Denver following a rough first season away from Seattle.

Like Schneider, Carroll did not deny claims made in The Athletic's story. Wilson insisted on Friday he "never wanted" Schneider or Carroll fired:

I love Pete and he was a father figure to me and John believed in me and drafted me as well. I never wanted them fired. All any of us wanted was to win.

l’ll always have respect for them and love for Seattle.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 24, 2023

While Carroll suggested he and Wilson will be "good," Schneider indicated the signal-caller who guided the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory will forever be welcomed back at Lumen Field.

"We’re really proud of our culture," Schneider remarked. He also said individuals such as Wilson are "always going to be part of our family."

Outsiders may never know all that happened between Wilson, Schneider, and Carroll from after the 2020 season until February 2022. Tuesday's events all but confirmed that Wilson lost a power struggle in Seattle, and how he performs under Payton will determine if the Broncos made a mistake by acquiring the 34-year-old and then signing him to a massive extension last offseason.

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