Raiders and Seahawks End in 23-23 Draw as Pete Carroll Returns to Seattle
Seattle, WA — In a preseason matchup that carried emotional weight and nostalgic undertones, the Las Vegas Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks finished in a 23-23 tie at Lumen Field, marking Pete Carroll’s first return to Seattle since stepping down as head coach earlier this year.
Carroll, who led the Seahawks for 14 seasons, received a standing ovation from the Seattle faithful during a brief on-field tribute before kickoff. The 72-year-old coach, now serving as a consultant with the Raiders, watched from the sidelines as both teams showcased a mix of promising rookies and veteran depth.
The game itself offered a balanced contest. The Seahawks opened strong with an early touchdown drive led by backup quarterback Drew Lock, while the Raiders countered with an efficient performance from rookie QB Aidan O’Connell, who threw for one touchdown and helped orchestrate multiple scoring drives.
Seattle’s special teams added six points off two field goals, and running back DeeJay Dallas found the end zone late in the third quarter. But the Raiders responded with a resilient fourth-quarter push, including a 12-play, 78-yard drive capped by a short rushing score from Zamir White.
Both teams had chances to seal the win in the final minutes, but missed opportunities and penalties stalled progress. A 44-yard field goal attempt by the Seahawks with five seconds remaining sailed wide left, securing the draw.
Despite the result, the evening was largely about Carroll’s emotional return. During a halftime video tribute, the stadium played highlights from his Super Bowl-winning 2013 season and featured appearances by former players like Richard Sherman and Doug Baldwin, who were in attendance.
“It was special to be back,” Carroll said postgame. “Seattle will always be home to me. The fans, the city — it’s all very meaningful. Tonight wasn’t about wins or losses. It was about reconnecting.”
Current Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald praised Carroll’s legacy in brief comments after the game. “Coach Carroll set the foundation here. It was an honor having him back tonight.”
For both teams, the tie serves as a stepping stone deeper into preseason evaluations, with coaches focused more on roster development than the final score.
The Seahawks will travel to Minnesota next week, while the Raiders host the Rams in their next preseason contest.
SEATTLE, WA — A preseason game might not usually stir strong emotions, but Saturday night at Lumen Field was different. As the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks battled to a 23-23 tie, all eyes weren’t just on the players—but on a familiar face on the sideline: Pete Carroll.
The legendary former Seahawks head coach, who led the franchise to its only Super Bowl title in 2013 and left his post earlier this year, returned to the stadium he once electrified. Now serving as a senior advisor with the Raiders, Carroll’s presence overshadowed the preseason stakes and turned the night into something closer to a homecoming celebration.
A Hero’s Welcome
Before the game, a tribute video played across the stadium’s jumbotrons, drawing cheers and even a few emotional tears from longtime fans. Highlights from Carroll’s iconic moments—including the NFC Championship comeback against Green Bay and his energetic sideline sprints—reminded the crowd of his impact on the franchise and the city.
When Carroll emerged from the tunnel in Raiders gear, the crowd erupted in applause, offering the kind of warm ovation usually reserved for championship moments.
“It hit me hard,” Carroll said after the game. “It felt like I never left. These fans… they’ve always had my back.”
On the Field: A Tale of Two Halves
While the emotion in the stands simmered, the action on the field delivered a surprisingly competitive and spirited affair, even by preseason standards.
Seattle struck first with an efficient opening drive led by Drew Lock, who completed 7 of 9 passes for 84 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown strike to rookie wide receiver Jake Bobo. The Seahawks’ defense, anchored by edge rusher Boye Mafe, applied consistent pressure in the first quarter, forcing two punts.
The Raiders responded in the second quarter behind rookie QB Aidan O’Connell. Calm in the pocket and sharp in decision-making, O’Connell connected with Tre Tucker on a 35-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 10-10. The Raiders’ offensive line provided solid protection throughout, giving their young quarterback time to work through progressions.
Both teams traded field goals in the third quarter before Seattle’s DeeJay Dallas powered through the line for a 4-yard touchdown, putting the Seahawks up 20-13. But Las Vegas wouldn’t go quietly. Running back Zamir White capped a long fourth-quarter drive with a touchdown to tie the game at 20-20, and after a defensive stop, the Raiders added a late field goal.
With under two minutes to play, Seattle’s final drive nearly sealed a win, but kicker Chris Stoll missed a 44-yard attempt as time expired—ending the contest in a rare preseason tie.
Bigger Than Football
While the result on the scoreboard may fade into preseason obscurity, the return of Pete Carroll ensured the night would be long remembered. Seahawks owner Jody Allen was spotted speaking with Carroll pregame, and several former players—including Marshawn Lynch and Kam Chancellor—sent video messages played during breaks.
Current Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, in his first year at the helm, acknowledged Carroll’s legacy.
“Coach Carroll is part of the fabric of this organization,” Macdonald said. “You could feel the energy when he walked in tonight. It was special.”
For Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, the night was also meaningful. “Having Pete here with us—his knowledge, his energy—it’s infectious. You see why Seattle loved him.”
Looking Ahead
Both teams have two more preseason games to finalize their rosters. The Seahawks head to Minnesota to face the Vikings next Saturday, while the Raiders return home to host the Los Angeles Rams.
But for one night, under the cool Seattle sky, football was more than just stats and strategy. It was a celebration of legacy, loyalty, and the coach who helped turn the Seahawks into champions.
Share this content: