Happy Anniversary Russell Wilson!
By Dan Viens
On this date four years ago the Seahawks changed the course of their franchise by selecting QB Russell Wilson in the 2012 NFL Draft.
It’s amazing how quickly time flies. I can’t believe it’s been four years already since Russell Wilson became a Seattle Seahawk. But indeed, on this date in 2012 Russell Wilson got that call letting him know he was about to be drafted by Pete Carroll and Co.
Shortly after that, I wrote a piece for NFL Mocks entitled The Case For Russell Wilson. You can check out the full text here, but at the time I said the following:
"If Flynn falters, or proves unable to overcome his own physical limitations, Wilson will be there. And once he takes the starting job, he’ll hold onto it for a very, very long time."
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It’s remarkable, really, to see what’s happened since that draft day. 65% completion percentage, 14,000 yards passing, another 2,430 yards rushing, 118 total TD’s, and a 7-3 record in the playoffs including a Super Bowl win.
Not to mention…… Ciara.
Wilson hasn’t just developed into an elite quarterback, but he’s become the face of the Seahawks franchise. And now that Marshawn Lynch has retired, it’s 100% his team to lead. In fact, as we head into this year’s NFL draft which kicks off tomorrow in Chicago, the bulk of Seattle’s draft plan is centered around their one-time underrated QB. Needs on the offensive line, in the backfield, and maybe even at TE and WR are expected to be addressed as John Schneider continues to build around Wilson.
It’s crazy to look back at the piece I wrote and remember everything else the Seahawks were doing to try and find a capable field general. Tarvaris Jackson was already in the fold, and Matt Flynn had just been signed to a sizable free agent contract.
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How quickly that all changed when Wilson stepped up and seized the opportunity in preseason. He was named the full-time starter before the regular season started. Flynn was long gone a year later, and we’ve never looked back.