The Seattle Seahawks, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory on Sunday.
Losing 19-7 with about four minutes remaining, the Seahawks scored 15 points in 44 seconds, in a sequence that included a recovered onside kick and a successful two-point conversion, before eventually winning in overtime. Jermaine Kearse’s game-winning touchdown catch sent CenturyLink Field, and the entire football world, into a frenzy. Just listen to the (NSFW) reaction of the broadcast team at Seahawks flagship radio station KIRO.
LISTEN:
Without question, it was an incredible finish, and the game’s conclusion led to an outpouring of polarized emotions. In the end zone, the Seahawks — most notably Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse — celebrated in ecstasy while Packers players looked on in agony.
Following the celebration, Russell Wilson took to twitter to share a quote from the late Jim Valvano. Valvano, formerly a college basketball coach, delivered an inspirational speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards, just eight weeks before succumbing to his short battle with cancer.
"Don't give up, don't ever give up." Jim Valvano
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 19, 2015
Known for his hard-working and humble attitude, Wilson is a highly respected athlete. However, his tweet inadvertently drew comparisons between playing a football game and fighting against cancer.
@DangeRussWilson God must not have liked Jim V very much if He didnt throw him a bone with the whole cancer thing, yet made u win ur game 🙁
— Patty Digital (@PC_Filth) January 19, 2015
@DangeRussWilson you did nothing. You are literally are Trent rifle 2.0 that happened to be on a rookie contract… Die in a fire. Asshole
— Brendan Riggs (@BARiggs) January 19, 2015
Less than 24 hours later, however, the Seahawks made another Twitter blunder. On Monday, which also happened to be Martin Luther King Day, the Seahawks official twitter account likened their hard-fought comeback to the Civil Rights Movement.
The account tweeted a picture of an emotional Russell Wilson next to a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. The quote read, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Perhaps the most cringeworthy aspect of the tweet was its accompanying text: “We shall overcome #MLKDay.” The tweet was removed shortly after.
Seahawks posted (then deleted) this MLK Day tweet. Equating the civil rights struggle with a football game? Good god. pic.twitter.com/sTOTthMTZy
— Bart Hubbuch (@BartHubbuch) January 19, 2015