Geno Smith's double-finger salute receives support from coach Pete Carroll
In a surprising turn of events, Geno Smith, the new quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, found himself in the midst of a heated exchange with a Seahawks fan during a preseason game at Lumen Field in 2025. This incident marked a new chapter in Smith's and head coach Pete Carroll's careers, as they had previously enjoyed a successful run with the Seattle Seahawks.
Geno Smith's Career with the Seahawks
Smith, who signed with the Seahawks in 2019 as a backup quarterback, became the starter in 2022. Under his leadership, the team had a successful season, earning him the AP Comeback Player of the Year award. Smith's impressive performance was marked by a 69.8% completion percentage, leading the league with 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Pete Carroll's Career with the Seahawks
Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks for 14 seasons, led the team to their most successful period in history. During his tenure, the Seahawks won two NFC Championships and a Super Bowl title. Known for his energetic and positive approach to coaching, Carroll left the Seahawks after the 2023 season, having been let go by the team.
The Transition to the Las Vegas Raiders
In 2025, both Carroll and Smith joined the Las Vegas Raiders. Carroll became the head coach, while Smith was traded to the Raiders for a third-round pick. Their reunion aimed to revitalize the Raiders' franchise under new ownership, which includes Mark Davis and minority partners like Tom Brady.
The Incident at Lumen Field
During the preseason face-off, a Seahawks fan held a sign that read, "Bigger Bust - Geno or Jamarcus Russell?". The Raiders banded together during the testy exchange, with Smith, Maxx Crosby, and the rest of the team taking offense to the fan's comment, especially considering the expectations within the franchise.
Pete Carroll attempted to remove the sign held by the fan, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Carroll later defended Smith's lack of subtlety in his response, stating, "Did you see what the sign said? Next question." The gesture made by Smith was the 'double-birds', a response that has since gone viral.
The incident seemed to boost Geno Smith's morale, as it turned out to be a big win for the Raiders QB. The team is hoping for an upgrade in both quarterback and coaching with Smith and Carroll in Las Vegas. However, the Raiders are facing high expectations in the competitive AFC West, which puts pressure on Smith and Carroll to quickly figure things out in 2025.
Despite their upgrades, the Raiders are still facing criticism, with the offensive sign held by the Seahawks fan serving as a reminder of the expectations and pressure they face. Last season, the Raiders leaned on Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew as QB1s, under the leadership of former player-turned-coach Antonio Pierce.
As the new season approaches, the Raiders will be looking to put the incident behind them and focus on their upcoming games. With high expectations and a strong team, the Raiders are poised for a successful season under the leadership of Smith and Carroll.
- In the newly forming partnership, Geno Smith and Pete Carroll found themselves in the Las Vegas Raiders, aiming to bring a big win to the franchise in the competitive AFC West.
- Smith's impressive performance with the Seahawks, culminating in the AP Comeback Player of the Year award and a 69.8% completion percentage, could translate to success in American football with the Raiders.
- The heated exchange at Lumen Field in 2025, provoked by a Seahawks fan's sign criticizing Smith, might have served as a motivational factor for Smith, boosting his morale for the upcoming NFL season.
