Former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Former 49ers LT Joe Staley on Russell Wilson: 'I hate Russ'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 9/19/22

Nearly 1,000 days removed from his final game in the NFL, former San Francisco 49ers left tackle Joe Staley still apparently wants to keep the rivalry alive with Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson.

The nine-time Pro Bowl signal-caller, of course, spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Seattle Seahawks from 2012-21, facing off against the six-time Pro Bowler's Niners squad during the final eight seasons of Staley's 13-season career in the Bay Area.

Joe Staley on @KNBR: "I hate Russ"

- Said he rooted for the Seahawks last Monday for the first time in his life when they played the Broncos
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) September 19, 2022

Staley announced his retirement in April 2020 two months after San Francisco fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. The 38-year-old's comments come as the 49ers and Broncos prepare for their Week 3 "Sunday Night Football" showdown.

Both teams are 1-1, as the Niners now transition back to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center following the injury to Trey Lance. The Broncos recovered from a Week 1 setback against Wilson's old team to defeat the Houston Texans in Week 2.

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