Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson confirms Seattle Seahawks tried to trade him before this year, says his skills not diminished

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With his return to Seattle in his first regular-season game with the Denver Broncos just days away, quarterback Russell Wilson said he doesn't believe his skills have diminished as he heads.

The Broncos' blockbuster trade to acquire Wilson in March -- for five draft picks, including two first-round picks and two second-round picks, as well as three players -- was one of the biggest league changes of the off-season.

Wilson said before he took the practice field that it was not the first time the team tried to trade him. According to an article published this week on the Wilson-Seahawk football divorce, Seattle tried to trade Wilson before the draft.

They tried to see what was out there. Being a professional is one of the things that happens in the business. I think I'm one of the best in the world and I believe in my abilities.

Wilson challenged those who said his skills have diminished. Wilson didn't play a single snap in the Broncos' three preseason games, so he'll be making his debut as Denver's quarterback on Monday night.

Everyone has their own right to think what they want to think, according to Wilson. I know what happened and how it happened.

Every year, you have to prove that you are one of the best. The first 10 years have been positive, but there's more to be done and you want your career to be a reflection of being one of the best in the world.

Wilson was asked what kind of reception he thought he would get from the fans in the stadium, and he said that he doesn't play games with a chip on his shoulder.

Wilson said that Seattle meant the world to him. It was an amazing experience for me to play there for 10 years.

He told Seattle media that he expects a rowdy crowd on Monday.

They will be rowdy. They'll be happy. It's Monday Night Football, so it will be special. I give my heart and soul every day. I know what I'm talking about. At the same time, I know we have a game to play, and hopefully it will be positive.

He told reporters in Seattle that he and Pete Carroll had different conversations after he was traded.

Is that correct? We'd be able to figure out all the details if it worked out. We were unable to. One of those things. He said, "You have to be able to move on with joy and just say I still get to play this game and now I get to be with the Denver Broncos."

Hopefully, we'll see, I get to play for the Seattle Seahawks for 10 years and the Broncos for the rest of my career. That is an incredible thing to say. I am just thankful. I'm thankful for everything.

Brady Henderson was a contributor to this report.