Pete Carroll Defends Geno Smith's Viral Reaction to Fan's Offensive Sign

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll is standing by quarterback Geno Smith after a viral video showed Smith reacting to a provocative fan sign before Thursday's preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Viral Moment

A Seahawks fan held up a sign reading "Bigger bust — Geno or JaMarcus Russell," prompting Smith's caught-on-camera reaction. When reporters asked Carroll about the incident, he simply responded: "Did you see what the sign said?"

Why the Comparison is Unfair

The fan's comparison between Smith and JaMarcus Russell is wildly inaccurate:

JaMarcus Russell: First overall pick in 2007, lasted three seasons, considered one of NFL's biggest busts

Geno Smith: Second-round pick in 2013 who overcame early struggles to become:

• 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year

• Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2022, 2023)

• Led NFL in completion percentage in 2022

• Threw career-high 30 touchdowns

Carroll-Smith Connection

Carroll and Smith previously worked together in Seattle, where Smith revitalized his career over six seasons. The Raiders traded for Smith this offseason and signed him to a two-year, $75 million extension through 2027.

Despite Smith's successful tenure in Seattle, some Seahawks fans clearly haven't forgiven his departure to their division rival.

Bottom Line

Carroll's defense of Smith reflects the quarterback's remarkable transformation from backup to franchise player. The comparison to Russell ignores Smith's proven track record and recent success, making the fan's sign more inflammatory than accurate.

Smith's reaction may have gone viral, but his career speaks louder than any fan's sign.