It's not only a trip back for Carroll, but for his quarterback as well.
Geno Smith revived his career with the Seahawks under Carroll. He had a 12-19 record as a starting quarterback with the New York Jets and Giants before arriving to Seattle in 2019. He served as their backup quarterback for three seasons before getting his shot in 2022.
He delivered in a big way with his second opportunity, leading to two Pro Bowl selections, an NFL Comeback Player of the Year award and 27 wins.
"It means a lot to me as a place where I called home for six years, was able to have a son there, and I was able to really just kind of turn my career around," Smith said. "Met some really cool people, got to know a lot of great people there. A lot of great teammates over the years, and just really special things, special thoughts that come to my mind when I think about it."
Carroll's trust and faith in Smith's abilities led to the Raiders trading for him this offseason. While Smith might not see any game action against his former team Thursday, it will make for a full circle moment regardless.
"Looking forward to seeing my old teammates, old coaches, people in the building. It'll be fun," Smith said. "Also going back with Pete, that's pretty cool. And then another opportunity to compete with my guys. That's always what it's all about."
As Smith alluded to, competition is still at the forefront of this preseason game. There will be a time and a place to reminisce on the memories Smith and Carroll created together during their time in Seattle.
And that time will come to an end at kickoff.
"It's the only game we got, and it happens to be in Seattle," Carroll said casually. "I loved my time in Seattle and love the fans and the people that we met and dealt with and competed with, but it's a game for us. We are going to go play ball."