Raiders' Pete Carroll downplays return to Seattle: 'It's the only game we got'

Copied!

Pete Carroll will experience life on the visiting sideline at Lumen Field on Thursday.

After 14 seasons coaching the Seattle Seahawks, Carroll returns with the Las Vegas Raiders when the sides meet up for their first preseason game of the season.

Carroll, who was away from the sideline last year, downplayed his return to the city to which he helped bring a Super Bowl.

“It’s the only game we got,” Carroll said via the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “It happens to be in Seattle.”

While the nostalgia of returning to Seattle is hard to ignore, Carroll stated his main focus is building the Raiders. Though not as high-stakes as a regular-season game, the moment still holds meaning.

“I loved my time in Seattle, loved the fans and the people that we met, and dealt with, and competed with,” Caroll said. “But it’s a game for us. We’re going to go play ball.”

Given that the outcome will not affect either team’s record, returning for a preseason game might provide an ideal backdrop for Carroll. He can reconnect with former colleagues without the worry of distraction impacting the season.

Carroll earned a 137-89-1 record as Seahawks head coach from 2010 to 2023.

Carroll is not the only familiar face returning to Seattle. Geno Smith will also face his former team, following his trade to Las Vegas after contract talks stalled. Carroll suggested that Smith and others could play on Thursday, stating everyone is “live,” but did not commit either way.

Unlike Carroll, Smith was willing to admit he’s anticipating his return to Seattle.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “Looking forward to seeing my old teammates. Old coaches. People in the building. It’ll be fun. I’m also going back with Pete. That’s pretty cool.”

For a preseason game, the returns of Carroll and Smith to Seattle offer as compelling a story as any this week, outside of the typical roster battles.

The Seahawks and Raiders will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on NFL Network.

Read More