Geno Smith’s Return to Seattle Elicits Controversy

Geno Smith’s homecoming to Seattle didn’t quite have the warm vibe one might expect.

In fact, the former Seahawks quarterback may have created some tension after an unexpected outburst.

During a preseason match on Thursday night, Smith and Raiders’ defensive end Max Crosby were caught on camera making rude gestures as Seahawks fans heckled them.

The reaction came after Seattle fans held up a sign that posed the question, “Who’s the bigger bust—Geno or JaMarcus Russell?” It was a bold move that, well, garnered some heated responses.

Smith’s gesture, reminiscent of a past incident involving Lions safety Brian Branch, has since circulated widely on social media.

In footage from the game, as Smith’s team approached the field, Crosby engaged with fans while asking for autographs. In the midst of this, Smith decided to respond to the taunts in a rather unorthodox way.

There was quite the spectacle, which left some fans wondering about the overall professionalism in the league.

Reflecting on Russell’s legacy—drafted first overall in 2007—he famously struggled, ending with a record of 7-18 in his three seasons as a starter. It’s no wonder that the comparison still stings.

Seattle traded Smith to the Raiders this offseason, a move that reunited him with his former coach, Pete Carroll, who returned to Seattle after leaving his post following the 2023 season. Carroll, now watching from the sidelines, expressed that he often feels like he’s still coaching the Seahawks.

The game concluded in a 23-23 tie, with Smith throwing only one complete pass for 15 yards. Meanwhile, a Raiders rookie had a debut he’d likely prefer to forget, with three rushing attempts that resulted in a net loss of one yard.