Raiders' Pete Carroll Defends Geno Smith After Viral Video Reacting to Fan's Sign

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll doesn't have a problem with veteran quarterback Geno Smith's viral reaction to a fan's sign with a not-so-nice message before Thursday's preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.

When asked about Smith's gesture to the fan holding the sign, Carroll responded to reporters, "Did you see what the sign said?"

The sign read, "Bigger bust — Geno or JaMarcus Russell," and Smith responded in kind.

Russell is widely regarded as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history, having been selected No. 1 overall by the Raiders in 2007 and lasting just three years in the league. Smith is far from that level of infamy.

After being selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 draft, Smith overcame a rough start to his career and worked his way up from a backup role to becoming a reliable starting quarterback. He was named the 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after leading the league in completion percentage and throwing a career-high 30 touchdowns. He earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023, proving that even late bloomers can achieve success.

Carroll's affinity for Smith dates back to their time together in Seattle, where the 34-year-old revitalized his career. He was traded to Las Vegas this offseason after Carroll was hired as the team's head coach, and he was later signed to a two-year, $75 million contract extension to stay in Sin City through 2027.

It's a little surprising that Seahawks fans would greet Smith with such hostility after he spent the last six seasons with the team, but it's clear that there's no love lost on his end, either.