Russell Wilson, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has been through a lot of scrutiny this year. The couple’s passion for education and empowerment is undeniable despite the critics. Together we achieve! This has been a motto in their life and their latest achievement is a testament to it.

Wilson and his wife have marked a significant milestone with their non-profit, the Why Not You Foundation. The star QB Wilson recently hopped on Instagram to share some exciting news. The Why Not You Academy, a charter public high school that he co-founded with Ciara, is celebrating a major milestone—the graduation of its very first class! “Excited to celebrate a milestone moment as we welcome our very first graduating class!” Wilson posted, adding, “Together we’ve built a legacy, and this is just the beginning. Cheers to the new adventures and endless possibilities.”

Back in October 2020, Wilson and Ciara announced the launch of the Why Not You Academy in Washington. This establishment had an outcome of their dream they nurtured from the moment they met. The school’s mission has been͏ to provide high-quality education ͏and mentorship to students from underrepresented communities. The academy secured a $100,000 grant from the Gates Foundation’s Limitless Learning Network to enhance postsecondary enrollment.

The WNY Academy in Des Moines has become a beacon of hope for its 90% BIPOC student body. With a focus on holistic education and community engagement, the school is paving the way for future leaders.

Despite the challenges, Wilson and Ciara remain committed to empowering youth through education, proving their charity is far from ‘fake.‘

Russell Wilson’s charity under fire

The former Broncos QB and now the Steelers’ starter, finds himself embroiled in a situation that has left many questioning his off-field integrity. The Non-Profit organisation of Wilson is under fire after a damning investigation by USA Today revealed some shocking discrepancies in how funds were allocated.

The investigation, spanned about six months, uncovering many facts. Only 24.3 cents of every dollar donated to the foundation in 2020 and 2021 were spent on actual charitable activities. Meanwhile, a staggering $1.1 million went toward salaries and perks, with a hefty $200,000 landing in the pocket of an executive closely tied to Wilson. This discovery has led experts to probe the foundation for potential “excess benefit transactions, private inurement, and a free-for-all governance structure,” essentially questioning whether the charity is more of a cash cow for a select few than a beacon of philanthropy.

Persistently, the Steelers’ QB is now facing a tarnished legacy. Wilson in 2020 received the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for his community service. Despite the claims, Wilson and Ciara have remained defiant. In a video statement, Wilson doubled down on their efforts, saying, “We’ve raised over $10 million through partnerships… We’re going to keep serving.” He added, “We’re going to keep learning, keep growing, keep getting better.”

But with the USA Today report laying out cold hard numbers, the damage ͏to ͏Wilson’s reputation seems undeniable. ͏As the new season approaches, all eyes ͏will be on Wilson not just to see how he performs on the field for the ͏Steelers, but also how ͏he handles this P͏R nightmare. Will͏ the veteran QB rise above the controversy, or will it continue to cast a shadow over his͏ ͏career? Only time will tell.