The preseason clash in Seattle brought an early flashpoint when Geno Smith, now with the Las Vegas Raiders, flipped off Seahawks fans.
As the quarterback warmed up, he spotted a sign comparing him to one of the NFL’s most infamous draft picks. His reaction, a raised middle finger, was caught on camera and quickly spread online.
Before kickoff, Smith and new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll ran out at Lumen Field to loud boos from a crowd that once cheered them both.
In the stands, a fan held a sign reading, “Bigger bust — Geno or JaMarcus Russell.” Smith stopped, turned toward the stands, and fired back with both hands.
Carroll wasted no time defending him. “Did you see what the sign said?” he told reporters. “Next question.”
Russell, taken first overall by the Raiders in 2007, lasted just three seasons and is widely regarded as one of the biggest busts in league history. Smith’s career has taken a very different path.
A Seahawks fan brought a sign into the stadium saying “Bigger Bust – Geno or Jamarcus Russell”
Geno Smith respectfully gave the fan two middle fingers
pic.twitter.com/YnoUDWnGdR— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 8, 2025
Drafted by the New York Jets in 2013, he faced early struggles and spent years as a backup.
His turning point came after Russell Wilson’s exit from Seattle. Smith stepped in, led the Seahawks to three straight winning seasons, and proved doubters wrong.
He became the 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year and led the league in completion percentage. He threw a career-high 30 touchdowns and earned Pro Bowl nods in both 2022 and 2023.
That run ended after the 2024–25 campaign. Smith joined the Raiders in the offseason after Carroll moved to Las Vegas. He signed a two-year, $75 million extension to stay in silver and black through 2027.
Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby joined in, flipping off the same fan, while Carroll leapt up to try and grab the sign himself.
Smith delivered a direct reply to a pointed jab from a familiar crowd. Carroll showed loyalty once again to a quarterback he has trusted for years, even if the colours have changed.
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