Wilson understands Thomas' holdout: NFL 'isn't just fun and games'

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson doesn't carry any resentment for star safety and longtime teammate Earl Thomas, who's holding out of training camp with a year left on his contract.

"This is our livelihoods and everything else," Wilson told reporters Thursday, according to Liz Matthews of Seahawks Wire. "This isn't just - it is fun, and it is games, but it isn't just fun and games, if that makes sense. It's real life, and I think that Earl is working his way through that, whatever that may be."

Thomas has been an integral part of the Seahawks' defense for the past eight seasons, but Seattle's reluctance to tie up more money in a player nearing his 30th birthday has led to an impasse.

Thomas has told the team to trade him if they're not going to offer him a contract extension. Should the two sides work their differences out, Wilson appears prepared to be the first one at the door welcoming the six-time Pro Bowler back into the fold.

"I know one thing about Earl Thomas," said Wilson. "He's, in my opinion, one of the best safeties to ever step on the field arguably, and I believe that he'll be ready to play if he decides to come back and he's ready to roll."

Thomas posted 88 tackles and two interceptions across 14 contests last season.