Russ Will Cook Again
Career Interrupted
Russell Wilson has been one of the most successful NFL quarterbacks of the past decade. Entering the league in 2012 and winning the starting job as a rookie, he took Seattle by storm. He’s won more than 60% of his games, throwing for more than 40,000 yards with a completion rate of nearly 65%. Coach Pete Carroll recognized Russ’ leadership abilities right away. Within four years, the Seahawks had been to two Super Bowls, winning the Lombardi in 2013. If the Hawks had won Super Bowl XLIX as well, Wilson might be thought of as one of the greats.
After getting a second contract in 2016, it appeared the ‘Hawks had locked up their future. However, like any relationship, rough spots pop up. Some you get through, others you cannot. So, the relationship between Carroll and Russ began to sour sometime in 2019. To be fair, Wilson did go a little Hollywood after marrying Ciara in 2016. Soon it was White House visits and luxury homes. She did not like it in the Northwest. He moved them down to the San Diego area and flew back weekly. The media went along with it. However, rumors started to leak out about relations with teammates and the staff.
Watching Tom Brady leave the Pats and win a Super Bowl in 2021 without Belichick was the ultimate motivator for Russ. He and Ciara saw that game and I’m sure they talked afterwards about winning without Pete. He then ratcheted up the pressure on the organization.
On March 15, 2022, the Seahawks traded Wilson to Denver. The deal gave Seattle two first-round picks (the no. 9 overall in 2022 and a 2023 first rounder); two second-round picks (no. 40 overall pick for 2022 and a 2023 second rounder), plus, the 2022 fifth-round pick. In addition, the Hawks received, tight end Noah Fant, quarterback Drew Lock and defensive end Shelby Harris. Besides Wilson, the Seahawks sent a 2022 fourth-round pick to Denver.
2022 Season
The 2022 season has not worked out well for Wilson. The Broncos have been dismal. leading to the firing of first year coach Nathaniel Hackett. As of Week 17, Wilson is ranked 29th in QBR, 25th in TDs and 16th in yards (3,019). He’s thrown 9 interceptions. His completion rate is not much better, 60.1%; he’s been sacked nearly 50 times.
The team has a host of problems, but they have started to solve one of them with the firing of coach Hackett. The current ownership, the Walton-Penner Group, has only been in place since early March, but it appears they are taking direct control. This will help drive the organization forward. Picking an experienced NFL coach with a proven track record will be priority number one.
But the team’s problems remain and one of the biggest is their terrible offensive line. Correcting Wilson’s problems must be done in conjunction with an overhaul of those positions. Adding another WR will help too. The lack of draft choices because of the trade will hinder that somewhat. The new coaching staff has to be strong in order to weather these challenges. The defense still looks solid and will continue to anchor that team in 2023.
Cue the Haters
The criticism of Wilson has been both appropriate and at times, a little over the top. Reading between the lines, one can sense a deeper issue. Ex-players, who are now media members, have been especially harsh. Former Seahawks teammate Richard Sherman has been withering in his criticism. Other teammates, who prefer to remain anonymous, piled on “spoiled” Russ. Entitled and privileged were other descriptions often heard.
Wilson was raised in an upper middle-class home, with two college-educated parents. His dad was an Ivy Leaguer and very successful attorney. He attended a prep school in a predominantly white section of Richmond. I have always thought that class envy is one of the issues behind the hate being spewed by former teammates.
Many former players in the media are loathe to directly criticize current players or even the League. Their comments are coded, never directly saying anything derogatory. It’s kind of an exclusive club and they want to be a part of it. That is why the willingness to come out and destroy Wilson’s character has been so shocking to me. It has been shot after shot. Very personal stuff. Are the socio-economic divisions within the African American community causing this rift? Is Russ seen as too corporate? Anti-union?
When Warren Moon, Hall of Famer, and a strong advocate for black quarterbacks, came out with his comments on Wilson, something was amiss. Moon went through hell trying to make it in the NFL. He was forced to play five seasons in the Canadian Football League before he could get a chance in the NFL. When one listens to Moon, you can hear that pain. There is bitterness too. Who could blame him for that? He even defended Cardinals’ QB Kyler Murray when he felt the organization was leveling unfair criticism about his work ethic. Moon, who chooses his words very carefully, seemed to echo what all the others were saying, adding that he thought Wilson was “stubborn,” and “not a pocket passer.”
The criticism of Wilson may well be justified. If there are special parking privileges for him, his personal assistants, as well as his wife, then that needs to change. Even the office they gave him needs to go. Leave the personal chef at home. Other teammates said he required an appointment for anyone wanting to talk. Team cohesion is essential for a winning culture. Putting up barriers is counterproductive. When you are the starting quarterback on an NFL team, there is one motto you live by: “When you win it’s we, and when you lose, it’s me.”
Welcome, Sean Payton
On February 3, 2023, former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton was officially hired as the new head coach of the Broncos. Considered an offensive guru and quarterback whisperer, the hire seems like a perfect fit. After his success future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, another QB under six feet, fans are now expecting the same in Denver.
Payton has made his presence felt immediately by curbing some of Wilson’s excessive demands, telling one reporter, “that’s now how we do things.” Apparently, the parking spots and office are gone, along with Russ’ personal staff. We’ll see.
The Clock Is Ticking
Regardless of the head coach hire, the onus is on Wilson to both play better and show his intention to be a great teammate. He needs to show up at OTAs, and training camp in shape. Blunting the criticism can only be accomplished by winning. No team of public relations experts are a substitute for on the field accomplishments.
Sources
Articles
Archynewsy. “NFL World Reacts To Russell Wilson’s Offseason Decision.” www.archynewsy.com, January 3, 2023.
Bergman, Jeremy. “Broncos agree to deal with Saints to hire Sean Payton as head coach.” NFL.com, January 31, 2023.
Boyle, John. “End Of An Era: Seahawks Trade Russell Wilson To Denver Broncos.” Seahawks.com, March 16, 2022. www.seahawks.com.
Brown, LaDarius. “Warren Moon rips Russell Wilson with Hall of Famer claiming Broncos QB is too stubborn.” sportskeeda.com, December 9, 2022.
Legwold, Jeff. “Russell Wilson’s struggle remain at the top of Broncos’ priority list.” espn.com, December 31, 2022.
Ragatz, Will. “DeMeco Ryans’ Incredible Audition for Vikings’ Head Coach Vacancy Helps 49ers Upset Packers.” SI.com, January 23, 2022.
Websites
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