Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider would like to take back his harsh words regarding the Minnesota Vikings' handling of quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.
The Seahawks named Jackson their starting quarterback after signing him to a two-year contract this summer. That instant confidence contrasts with Jackson's tenure in Minnesota, where he was the starter until Brett Favre decided to extend his career, first in 2009, then again in 2010.
Speaking to Yahoo! Sports on Aug. 7, shortly after Seahawks training camp opened, Schneider said of Jackson: "He's 28 years old, and quite frankly was (expletive) on for four years."
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was a bit more diplomatic, saying Jackson "has not been in a good situation. He's been jerked around. We wanted to put him in a stable situation."
But Schneider told ProFootballTalk.com on Monday that he has privately apologized to the Vikings, including director of player personnel George Paton, vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman and vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski.
"Yeah, that was kind of a cavalier moment there," Schneider said. "What I was trying to say was that I understand what Tarvaris had been through and being in Green Bay and seeing what Aaron (Rodgers) went through, to a lesser degree with Brett. ... And early on playing, you know, he was pulled right away ... So yeah, it's definitely a comment I'd like to have back -- that's one to put in your back pocket."
Still, Schneider said Jackson might not have been given a fair shot: "Young quarterbacks are going to struggle, and you have to have a certain amount of confidence in them."
When asked if Seattle's second-string quarterback, Charlie Whitehurst, might feel the same kind of frustration that Jackson did in Minnesota, Schneider didn't disagree. Whitehurst was in line to take over the starting spot for the departed Matt Hasselbeck if not for the signing of Jackson.
"Great point," Schneider said. "Coach Carroll's whole message here is it's all about competition. Quite frankly, Charlie has really stepped up in this camp. He's had a very nice camp; he's stepped forward with his leadership. ... But he's a competitor, he has a lot of pride, and I think he's doing a great job, and Coach Carroll and his staff are doing a great job managing him."
