The 'Let Russ Cook' meme originated in late 2019 among Seattle Seahawks fans who believed the team's conservative play-calling was holding back superstar quarterback Russell Wilson. The phrase exploded on social media as a demand for the coaching staff to give Wilson more control over the offense. However, as Wilson's performance fluctuated—particularly following his high-profile trade to the Denver Broncos and later move to the Steelers—the meme evolved from a sincere rally cry into a sarcastic jab used whenever he struggled on the field. Today, it is a staple of NFL Twitter and sports forums, used to describe any athlete or individual who is given total control, often resulting in either elite highlights or hilariously disastrous outcomes.