Geno Smith isn't going to let a good opportunity pass him by — whether on the field or in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The Seahawks quarterback has filed a trademark for his now-famous line following Seattle's Week 1 victory over the Broncos: "They wrote me off. I ain't write back though." That followed a game in which he out-dueled former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in his return to Lumen Field by completing 23 of 28 passes for 195 yards and a score in a 17-16 win.
.@GenoSmith3 said it! #DENvsSEA
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2022
(via @ESPN) pic.twitter.com/Qx1rCHniOx
That was one of the best moments from the opening NFL weekend, especially considering his play and the national scrutiny surrounding Seattle's quarterback situation. Now, Smith is trying to ensure that trademark belongs to him.
MORE: Seahawks' Geno Smith proves doubters wrong in win over Broncos: 'I know what I have inside of me'
A search into the USPTO's database confirms that Smith filed for the trademark on Sept. 14, two days after the Seahawks' upset of Wilson and the Broncos. Per the search, Smith will now be able to profit on goods and merchandise, including:
- Footwear
- Clothing
- Headwear
- Eyewear
- Sports bags
- Backpacks
- Sports equipment
- Art
- Toys
- Accessories
A savvy move by Smith to make the most of his moment, though it stands to reason that any future money he makes off that phrase will hinge on how he plays the remainder of the 2022 season and beyond.
MORE: Why 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo got $350,000 payday with win over Seahawks
Smith followed up his opening week stat line with a similarly efficient 24-of-30 passing day vs. the 49ers. However, he tossed an interception in the loss and only threw for 197 yards. The offense was unable to muster a score in the 27-7 defeat (the lone touchdown was a blocked field goal attempt returned for a score).
It's arguable Seattle's struggles are due mostly to its inability to muster a running game. The Seahawks have been held to fewer than 100 rushing yards in each of their first two games, rushing a combined 33 times for 112 yards (a 3.39 yard-per-carry average).
If Seattle can't improve its running game, then Smith will have to elevate his own play to carry the Seahawks. And, as he mentioned before, he's not one to worry whether anyone writes him off.
