‘I’m absolutely heartbroken’: KIRO Newsradio listeners react to Russell Wilson trade

With the Seattle Seahawks’ star quarterback Russell Wilson reportedly headed to the Denver Broncos, KIRO Newsradio listeners from across the region called in with their thoughts on the blockbuster deal.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who was the first to report the trade, said the deal will result in the Broncos receiving Wilson and a draft pick in exchange for a package made up of multiple first-round picks, additional draft picks, and several players.

For many fans, the trade is bittersweet, particularly after the historic run of success Wilson saw in his nine years in Seattle.

“I’m super disappointed — I think this is a huge mistake,” listener Andrew from Arlington told Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin. “You know how many people have Russell Wilson jerseys; this is just terrible.”

“I’m absolutely heartbroken,” said Jess in Tacoma. “He’s been kind of a staple, not just as a football player for the Seattle Seahawks, but also just in the community.”

Others looked back fondly on Wilson’s time with the Seahawks, but also felt as though it may have been time to move on.

“I am actually glad that Russell’s being traded, I think that he was unhappy here,” Jack in Seattle said. “I think that his salary was too big for what the Seahawks are trying to do. Within the next couple of years, our defense needs rebuilding and the offensive line needs rebuilding.”

“I’m a little shocked, a little surprised, but also kind of not — he hasn’t been that happy in Seattle, and he hasn’t had a lot to work with lately,” Jessica in Bothell agreed.

Hear all the reactions from KIRO Newsradio callers below:

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.