Why Seahawks legend KJ Wright could become the face of bitter rival

Over the last two seasons, Seattle Seahawks legendary linebacker KJ Wright has quietly worked his way up to become a mastermind for their rival San Francisco 49ers as their linebackers coach. He’s one of their biggest coaching assets and could become their defensive coordinator as early as next season. Seeing a beloved franchise icon become the face of their enemy would add yet another layer to the NFC West rivalry, and an awkward dynamic that would be tough for fans to navigate.

Wright played for 10 years with Seattle, made a Pro Bowl, and was a Super Bowl XLVIII Champion in 2012. He was an integral part of the Legion Of Boom defense and is roughly top 100-150 in NFL history in career solo tackles, combined tackles, tackles for loss, and playoff games started. He’s one of the top 100-200 defensive players of all time, and fits the “hall of very good” moniker of just not quite being Hall Of Fame worthy. His legacy is formidable, was almost entirely made with the Seahawks, and shouldn’t be able to be tarnished. But the higher he raises through the 49ers ranks and the further the Seahawks move on from The Pete Carroll Era, the more it will.

As Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight once said, “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” In Wright’s case, he could become the villain to Seahawks fans sooner than later, but that’s the way the football world works. It’s a business and he was a great candidate. The world of loyalty and sports organizations isn't so cut and dry, though. That’s the lane where Wright’s story could become incredibly complex in the coming years.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks legendary LB KJ Wright could lead bitter rival 49ers soon