Russell Wilson is tired of taking hits. He’s tired of catches.
On Tuesday, he decided to talk about his frustration and the Seattle Seahawks’ woes before the holidays, when he was expected to talk about the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award he was recently awarded to recognize his community work.
Among Wilson’s priorities is the protection he receives from his teammates and the fact that in nine years he has suffered 394 sacks in the regular season.
“It frustrates me taking so many hits. I’m frustrated with that, ”he acknowledged. “At the end of the day you want to win … I think it’s part of the process.”
His comment followed days of speculation after he was honored by the league for his off-court work. Wilson received the award this weekend during the Super Bowl in Tampa. He became the second Seahawks player to win the award, alongside Steve Largent.
Although his work off the field has been outstanding, Wilson directed the conversation to his concerns on the field.
In 2020 the Seahawks won the Western Division of the National Conference, but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams.
“I love the winning process, which is why I wear cleats every day. That is why I get up early every day and the only thing that matters to me is winning and finding a way to win no matter what it takes, “he warned.
Your main concern is protection. His 394 sacks are the most since 1970, according to the Pro Football Reference.
Seattle has prioritized investing in the offensive line at various points in Wilson’s career, although the results have been inconsistent. Last season, the Seahawks signed tackle Brandon Shell and selected rookie Damien Lewis. They both had a solid first season in Seattle.
One of the big unknowns is how this will change with new offensive coordinator Shane Wilson.
The Walter Payton Award includes a $ 250,000 donation from the NFL to the Why Not You Foundation that Wilson started with his wife Ciara. In 2020 the couple donated one million meals to Feeding America and Food Line, in addition to contributing 1.75 million to relaunch a charter school – a public institution funded with public funds, but privately run – and create Why Academy. Not You which opened at the end of the year.
Wilson also continued to visit patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital, although the experience was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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