Pete Carroll, the 72-year-old coach of the Seattle Seahawks, may be the oldest coach in the NFL, but he’s far from losing his sense of childlike enthusiasm. In a delightful surprise ahead of the Seahawks’ game against the Carolina Panthers, Carroll demonstrated his youthful exuberance in a memorable way.
Seahawks brought an ice cream truck out to practice today. pic.twitter.com/TLhKmJHoob
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) September 21, 2023
During Thursday’s practice, Carroll brought an ice cream truck onto the field, much to the amazement and delight of both players and coaches. The appearance of the “FUNTASTIC” ice cream vehicle turned the practice session into a gleeful affair.
Tyler Lockett couldn’t contain his excitement as he ordered his ice cream, grinning as if he had just caught another touchdown pass. Kenneth Walker left with a Sponge Bob Squarepants popsicle and an enormous smile. Jerrick Reed enthusiastically raised both arms while waiting in line with his teammates. Coach Clint Hurtt opted for an old-fashioned bomb pop, while Jordyn Brooks wasted no time, returning for a second treat before finishing the first. According to Brooks, this was an entirely new experience, and he couldn’t hide his joy. “This is great,” the linebacker said. “This is heavenly.”
Pete Carroll making pre practice rounds. Or making taking ice cream orders. pic.twitter.com/paixrgrPHL
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) September 21, 2023
Such fun and joyful surprises have become a hallmark of the Seahawks under Carroll’s leadership. The Seahawks stand out in the NFL for their embrace of fun, a distinctive organizational identity that has persisted for over a decade, dating back to Carroll’s debut season in Seattle.
Hurtt, reflecting on this unique approach, noted “Whether we win a game by a lot of points, we lose a tough one, whatever the case may be, there’s a consistency to how things are done and how you bring yourself to work every day,”
“..Obviously, it’s a highly competitive environment. And we know how competitive this league is. But the thing that Pete brings to it everyday is, ‘Listen, we have to be able to move past it…it’s about flushing and moving on.”
Clint Hurtt, smiling Tyler Lockett get theirs at the ice cream truck parked at #Seahawks practice @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/kgvIBdSoui
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 21, 2023
For players, this consistency, both in approach and the infusion of fun, is greatly appreciated. Hurtt contrasted the Seahawks’ atmosphere with that of other NFL teams, where losses often feel like funerals. Seattle’s approach ensures that there are no lingering effects from previous games, contributing to their consistent success.
Carroll’s ability to maintain this environment of joy and competitiveness has been instrumental in his long-term success as a coach in the NFL. The Seahawks have consistently embraced the “Always Compete” and “All in” mentality, making football a source of enjoyment and camaraderie even in the face of challenges.
Everyone gets excited when the ice cream truck rolls by. #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/mJR6EVmoJ3
— Shane Lantz (@ShaneMLantz) September 21, 2023
“You listen to guys talk when they play for other teams and their experiences, when they drop a game it’s like a funeral,” Hurtt said. “The game can’t be like that, because then things linger, and that’s when you hear about ‘Well, there was a hangover effect from the previous contest.’ That’s not what you want to have. “Our players appreciate that. Us as coaches appreciate that. … “It’s why he’s been consistently winning for as long as he has.”
