Pete Carroll, the legendary coach known for his vibrant energy and impactful leadership with the Seattle Seahawks, celebrates his birthday on September 15th. But before his iconic coaching career, did you know Carroll had aspirations to play in the NFL? Recently, Seahawks General Manager John Schneider hilariously reviewed some supposed “prospect tape” of a young Pete Carroll, offering a funny glimpse into what might have been.
Schneider’s Hilarious Prospect Tape Review
In a lighthearted video segment, Schneider pretends to scout Carroll as a fresh prospect, pulling up footage from what looks like Carroll’s college playing days in the early 1970s. Schneider jokes about unearthing this “hidden gem,” emphasizing the lengths the Seahawks go to find talent, even in obscure film from schools that “don’t even play football anymore.”
Schneider’s initial assessment is comical yet insightful. He playfully critiques Carroll’s style, observing that he looks “a little bit stiff” but immediately praising his “raw enthusiasm.” “You’ve got to love these guys who are just intense,” Schneider remarks, highlighting a trait that has become synonymous with Carroll’s coaching persona. He further quips about Carroll’s “non-traditional stance,” suggesting it’s a “UoP thing,” adding to the comedic tone of the review.
Despite the playful criticisms, Schneider acknowledges Carroll’s positive attributes. He points out Carroll’s “range” and “toughness,” reiterating the enthusiasm he displays on the field. After one particularly impactful hit in the tape, Schneider exclaims, “Holy smokes! He looks like Chuck Cecil right there, or Ronnie Lott,” comparing young Carroll to two legendary hard-hitting safeties. However, the humor continues as Schneider later notes a less successful tackle attempt, dryly commenting, “Oh, he fell off of that tackle. I don’t think our coaches would consider that really good Hawk tackling right there.”
Adding another layer to the funny review, Schneider highlights a moment where young Carroll is seen animatedly arguing with a referee. “Now he’s arguing with the ref,” Schneider chuckles, “Some things have never changed I guess.” This perfectly encapsulates Carroll’s known sideline intensity and passion, showcasing that some characteristics are indeed timeless. Schneider concludes the mock scouting report on a high note, stating, “Enthusiasm, intensity, I don’t know how you can go wrong with this guy. I can see why he’d be a hell of a prospect, and obviously a great coach. Legendary coach.”
Carroll’s NFL Dream and Chuck Knox
While Schneider’s review is all in good fun, the video touches upon a real aspect of Pete Carroll’s history: his attempt to make it in the NFL as a player. After his college career, Carroll indeed had a tryout with the Los Angeles Rams when they were coached by Chuck Knox, a respected figure later inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor.
Carroll himself recounted the experience in 2018, after Knox passed away. He described attending a large workout at the Coliseum and being personally introduced to Coach Knox by the GM. Despite feeling “pretty special” at the time, Carroll’s NFL playing aspirations didn’t materialize beyond that tryout. “I went through the workout, and I never heard from him again,” Carroll shared. “They timed me in the 40, they did this and did that, and I never heard from them again. That was my shot with the Rams. That was my brush with greatness.”
From Player to Legendary Coach
Although his playing career didn’t take off, it’s clear Pete Carroll found his true calling on the sidelines. Born on September 15, 1951, Carroll has built an extraordinary coaching legacy, marked by Super Bowl victories and consistent success. Schneider’s humorous review underscores the enduring qualities of enthusiasm and intensity that were present even in Carroll’s early playing days, traits that undoubtedly contributed to his remarkable journey to becoming a legendary NFL coach. While he might not have become a star safety, Pete Carroll certainly achieved greatness in his own impactful way, proving that sometimes, the greatest victories come in unexpected forms.
