The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 09: Quarterback Matt Flynn #15 of Seattle Seahawks throws in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at CenturyLink Field on December 9, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 09: Quarterback Matt Flynn #15 of Seattle Seahawks throws in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at CenturyLink Field on December 9, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images) /

Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson takes over for Matt Flynn

The Seattle Seahawks, like many teams in the NFL, were tricked into believing Matt Flynn had long-term starter potential at the NFL level.

In a loaded draft class in 2012, specifically at the quarterback position, the Seahawks opted to pass on some of the players selected early and waited until the third round to draft someone at the position to compete for a backup job to Flynn.

As it turns out, the decision in the third-round to draft Russell Wilson — a player who had a breakout season at Wisconsin — was the most fortuitous selection in Pete Carroll and Jon Schneider’s tenure with the team.

Wilson immediately was better and more capable than Flynn, and the Seahawks wasted no time admitting their mistake.

By Wilson’s second year in the league, the Seahawks had won a Super Bowl. Every year since, they have either been a legitimate championship contender or have been a very tough out at the very least.

The signing of Flynn prevented the Seahawks from reaching on a quarterback early, though it appears as though everyone should have seen in Wilson more than just a great quarterback who wasn’t tall enough. He’s a superstar and Flynn is out of the league.