Russell Wilson was once considered one of the league’s better quarterbacks. Now he’s on his third team competing for a starting spot against a quarterback that the Bears shipped out to draft Caleb Williams. So, what happened to Russ? What happened to the quarterback that helped lead his team to a Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos? Was it the offensive system, the legion of boom or just coaching that helped reach him to the mountaintop at one time?
The QB would be drafted out of Wisconsin in 2012 with the 75th pick. He would carry a 65% completion rate career stat, throw for 37,059 yards, and have 292 TDs to 87 INTs. During the end of his tenure there, Wilson would voice his displeasure with the offensive line and play calling. People around Wilson and the Seahawks organization have stated that it became a dysfunctional situation. Wilson believed that Pete Carroll and the organization were holding him back. Members of the famous legion of boom defense that demolished opposing offenses had their own words for the situation.
Many voiced that Russell Wilson was receiving too much credit, while they believed that if it wasn’t for their defensive success the team wouldn’t have reached the accomplishment that they had gained. Ultimately Wilson and the Seahawks would go their separate ways. The Seattle-based team would make a deal with the Denver Broncos to trade Wilson and a 2022 fourth-round pick. In return, the team would get players Noah Fant, Shelby Harris, and Drew Lock, first and second-round picks in the next two drafts.
The Broncos would commit to a five-year, $245 million extension which would include $165 million in guaranteed money. He would get his own office away from the team and building access for his performance team. This move would be something the Broncos would soon regret and create inner turmoil in the organization. Wilson’s stats with the team look good, having a 63.3 completion percentage, throwing 42 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. But having such good numbers Wilson would lead his team to an 11-19 record. This would not reflect well on Wilson considering how much money was given to him. Watching him play made it worse, with a 1-3 record, playing against the Jets and 40 seconds left in the game. Wilson would take a sack, and fumble the football, which would allow the Jets to pick it up and score. Essentially making the game out of reach.
In another game against the Colts, the team would be within the 5-yard line to score in overtime. In shotgun formation against what would look like man coverage, Wilson’s vision would take him to the left of the field instead of the right. Where he would miss an open K.J. Hamler for the touchdown. After the game was over Hamler would vent his frustrations by throwing his helmet to the ground. After the Broncos let go of Nathaniel Hackett, and signed Sean Payton for the head coaching position in hopes things would turn around for the organization and Wilson’s errant play continuing, something had to change. That change would be the quarterback.
The Broncos would release Russell Wilson after two years into a five-year contract. Opting for a $53 million cap charge. This would say a lot of the team’s feelings towards Wilson without having to say anything at all. The Pittsburgh Steelers would sign him on a veteran minimum contract of $1.2 million. During the same time frame, the Steelers would also trade a sixth-round pick for Justin Fields from the Bears. Making it known to the football world that wasn’t Wilson’s team to lead and that he would have to earn the starting role.
As of today, 8/21/2024 ESPN would post a video on YouTube asking the question of the Steelers trading Wilson to the Vikings. Did being loved by the Seattle fan base coupled with the fame that carried over from his relationship with Ciara enlarge his ego? An ego that would get him shipped to Denver and get perks no other players got. An ego that would have him doing the most to keep up an image that he created. Like working out in an airplane for four hours to rehab a hamstring. Whatever the reasons are, like Icarus, Wilson wax laced wings flew too close to the sun leading to his downfall.
