Russell Wilson honors his late father with social media tribute
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson took to social media on Thursday to post a birthday tribute to his late father.
Wilson's father Harrison, who was a lawyer, died in 2010 at the age of 55 due to complications from diabetes. Wilson was playing college football at NC State at the time.
The Broncos quarterback described his late father as the "king in his crowd" and said he misses him every day. He also included a photo of himself with his father at what appears to be one of his high-school football games. From the picture, the two appear to be spitting images of each other.
"Heaven is better. Happy Birthday Dad. We miss you every day. I can't wait to see you again one day. Thanks for loving and raising me! You are the King in my crowd," Wilson posted on Twitter and Instagram.
Heaven is better.
Happy Birthday Dad.
We miss you everyday.
I can’t wait to see you again one day.
Thanks for loving and raising me!
You are the King in my crowd ❤️ https://t.co/89NMcWCIpu
Denver Broncos head coach wants Russell Wilson to make plays with his legs
Throughout his NFL career, Russell Wilson has found a way to make plays under immense pressure. He was nearly unstoppable during his time with the Seattle Seahawks due to his athleticism, which allowed him to evade rushers and run for first downs.
"The Seahawks always thought they were gonna be better without Russell Wilson" ~@RapSheet
#PMSOverreactionMonday #Seahawks https://t.co/io3VFWkK4F
Since being traded to the Denver Broncos this offseason, however, he has struggled to find any kind of rhythm.
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett told reporters this week that if Wilson uses his legs to make plays, as he did in his time with the Seahawks, then Denver will be able to turn things around.
“I think when he starts doing some of that stuff it makes him a major threat; both to be able to convert with his legs and scramble and throw the ball," Hackett said. "So we just need to be sure he’s completely efficient and utilizing his legs and at the same time completing them (passes) when they’re there."
Hackett said that he was able to watch a lot of games during the Broncos' bye week and that with the success rate of mobile quarterbacks in the NFL, being able to make plays on the fly happen is key.
Russell Wilson has only 113 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown so far this season.
The Broncos are 3-5 and need to shake things up on offense to find success. With Hackett's declaration that Wilson needs to use his legs to make plays, look for the quarterback to be on the run this weekend against the Tennessee Titans.