On Tuesday, quarterback Russell Wilson shared a heartfelt video on Twitter showcasing a #3 throwback jersey that the Seattle Seahawks sent him. In his emotional message, he expressed, “Seahawks, I’m super, super grateful for you guys sending me this. Obviously, there are a lot of amazing memories there, and so you guys sending me this means the world to me. I’m forever grateful.” This gesture from the Seahawks highlights the lasting bond between Wilson and the franchise, where he created countless unforgettable moments during his tenure.

Unfortunately, fans never got to witness Wilson donning the throwback jersey in action, as the Seahawks first wore them in a game against the Cleveland Browns on October 29th, 2023. This was a bittersweet reminder for many, especially considering that Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos on March 8, 2022, a move that left many Seattle fans feeling a mix of emotions. Initially, the trade sparked excitement for a fresh start, but the reality of the situation quickly set in, leading to a significant shift in team dynamics.

While I could delve into the complexities of how Denver treated Wilson, I’ll hold back my thoughts on that topic (you’ve likely read plenty about it already). Now, he’s gearing up to face Pittsburgh. Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember being in Detroit for the Super Bowl against the Steelers in 2006. My family and I were almost the only ones sporting blue amidst a sea of those infamous yellow terrible towels. The taunts from Steelers fans were relentless, and the officiating left much to be desired. That game was one I’d rather not revisit.

Let’s shift our focus back to Seattle. Do you remember Wilson’s first regular-season game as a Bronco? It took place in Seattle, and I was there — what a thrilling experience! I cheered loudly, my voice strained from booing whenever Wilson stepped onto the field. It was a cathartic moment for me, allowing me to process my feelings about a player who had given so much to the franchise. That night, I found it easy to forgive him for everything because he had, after all, been a significant part of our football journey.

But what led to the need for forgiveness? Did Wilson truly want out? The decline in performance towards the end of his Seattle career was evident, prompting many to reflect on the Mandela Effect surrounding his legacy. In 2020, he shattered the franchise’s single-season passing touchdown record with 40 touchdowns and led the team to the playoffs for a third consecutive year. Sadly, the Los Angeles Rams dashed our hopes in the wild-card round, and then came the injury that changed everything — a fractured finger during a game that ended his streak of 149 consecutive games played, which was sixth all-time.

A few weeks ago, the NFL Throwback YouTube channel featured a video discussing a “Mt. Rushmore” for all 32 teams, where they included Russell Wilson. However, when the Seaside Joe newsletter audience was asked for their input, Wilson didn’t make the cut. He fell behind legends like Marshawn Lynch, Pete Carroll, Richard Sherman, Easley, Bobby Wagner, and Kam Chancellor. Last week, Field Gulls joined the debate, and once again, Wilson’s name didn’t rise to the top. Despite the lack of formal acknowledgment, I took the initiative to sift through 361 comments. While there was consensus around Largent, Jones, and Kennedy, I found Wilson ranked behind Wagner, Lynch, and Easley. These are iconic Seattle names, and it troubles me that the Mandela Effect may be obscuring Wilson’s contributions. He truly deserves to be carved back onto that mountain of greatness.

To refresh your memory, here’s a summary of Russell Wilson’s remarkable achievements:

Russell Wilson’s Stellar Career with the Seattle Seahawks (2012-2021):

104 Wins (setting a franchise record).

37,059 Passing yards (franchise record).

292 Passing touchdowns (franchise record).

101.8 Passer rating (franchise record).

4,689 rushing yards as a QB (franchise record).

23 Rushing touchdowns as a QB (franchise record).

2 Super Bowl appearances (back-to-back).

1 Lombardi Trophy victory.

9-time Pro Bowl selection.

Walter Payton Man of the Year (2020).

…and there’s so much more to highlight. His most outstanding performances often occurred under intense pressure. Is there a Blessed-By-God award? Let’s revisit some of these incredible moments:

I could easily get lost in a Twitter (X?) rabbit hole, searching for old Russell Wilson clips. You know how it is. While I’ll never be a fan of the Steelers, I can’t find a valid reason not to grant our quarterback the fourth face on Seattle’s Mt. Rushmore. Just as I can’t find any reason to boo him anymore. When the moment arrives for Russell to raise the 12th Man Flag, my voice will be the loudest in the stadium, echoing my support and appreciation for everything he has done for the franchise.