Seahawks legend becomes surprise guest as Raiders introduce Pete Carroll

It all makes sense.

Las Vegas Raiders Introduce Pete Carroll
Las Vegas Raiders Introduce Pete Carroll | Ethan Miller/GettyImages

On Monday, Pete Carroll was introduced as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. The former Seattle Seahawks coach spoke in the way 12s had gotten used to. The coach was effervescent and positive and said all the right things. While he isn't with Seattle anymore, there are likely many 12s who hope he does well, as long as the Raiders are not playing the Seahawks.

There are former players who hope Carroll succeeds, too. One of those is Marshawn Lynch. Lynch, of course, is also a former Raider and has lived in the Oakland area, the former home of the team. Still, his presence at Carroll's introductory press conference likely had much more to do with the coach than the organization.

Lynch even provided a funny moment. Sitting in the back of the room and behind most reporters while Carroll delivered some remarks, Lynch loudly yelled out, "Raiders!" To which Carroll simply said, "There you go." Some reporters were clearly taken off guard and looked back to see who had done the yelling.

Seahawks great Marshawn Lynch makes a surprise appearance at Pete Carroll's introductory press conference with the Raiders

The relationship between Lynch and Carroll might not have always been so good. If Carroll had been fired by the Seahawks after the fiasco at the end of Super Bowl XLIX and then Carroll hired by the Raiders, it is doubtful Lynch would have shown up at the press conference in such a joyful manner. Lynch has openly spoken about how upset he was after the Seahawks lost to the New England Patriots.

Lynch wanted the ball at the end of the game and should have gotten it. Instead, as all 12s know, Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell called a pass play, and quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception. After the game, Lynch quickly left the stadium due to his frustration. While Carroll did not make the call, he could have overridden it.

Still, Lynch showing up at Carroll's press conference speaks volumes about how well-respected the coach was by his players. He was always open and honest with them, even when Seattle began to have less success in the late 2010s. Players want to be coached and mostly accept bad news if they know the coach is coming from a point of integrity.

Lynch obviously respects Carroll, and one can assume the feeling to be mutual. While neither is a member of the Seahawks organization anymore, it is nice to see one cheering on the other.

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