Russell Wilson, a seasoned qua͏rterback with two Super Bowl appearances,͏ has found new life with the Pittsburgh Steelers under the guidance of͏ ͏Head Coach Mike Tomlin. With ͏th͏e Steelers sitting͏ strong at 7͏-2 ͏this season,͏ the team’s r͏esurg͏ence͏ has been ͏driven by a͏ balanced offense and ͏Wilson’s trademark͏ poise. At the heart of this revival lies ͏the unique connection between the QB and Tomlin, a bond͏ fueled by respect͏, shared goals, and poignant life lessons.

Wilson recently opened up about the impact Tomlin has had on him, calling the coach a father figure. Reflecting on the loss of his father to diabetes 14 years ago, Wilson shared, “Coach Tomlin and I meet early in the mornings—those one-on-one moments mean a lot. He once told me, ‘I want us to be immortal to the game.’ That hit me hard.” Wilson explained that Tomlin’s words weren’t just about football accolades but about leaving a legacy, especially as African-American leaders in the NFL.

Tomlin’s respect for Wilson is equally profound. “Russ has done incredible things—he’s one of the few Black quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl. That’s immortal stuff,” Tomlin said. The coach also praised Wilson’s knack for big moments, calling him a “battle-tested warrior” whose experience and hunger for success have reignited the Steelers’ offense.

This relationship stands in stark contrast to the criticism Wilson faced last season in Denver. Tomlin, however, has always focused on Wilson’s potential. “His talents, appetite for big moments, and experience are assets for this team,” Tomlin explained. With Wilson leading three straight fourth-quarter comebacks, the results speak for themselves.

For Wilson, the journey with Tomlin is about more than wins. “It’s about living—living with passion, leaving a legacy, and making the most of every moment,” he said. Together, they’re crafting a narrative that has brought him healing and focus following his father’s loss.

Harrison Wilson III: The man behind Russell Wilson’s relentless drive

Russell Wilson’s late father, Harrison Wilson III, was more than a father—he was Russell’s ultimate inspiration. A Dartmouth football standout, Harrison made his mark as a First Team All-Ivy receiver in 1976, even breaking a 23-year record for receiving yards. Though a brief NFL stint with the San Diego Chargers ended in disappointment, Harrison’s legacy didn’t stop on the field. He pursued law at the University of Virginia, later thriving as a lawyer at Procter & Gamble and McGuireWoods.

Harrison’s journey was anything but smooth. Battling diabetes-induced complications, he faced amputation, kidney issues, and strokes. In 2010, after defying doctors’ grim predictions for three years, he passed away, leaving an indelible mark on his family. His resilience and drive became Russell’s guiding light.

“My dad always inspired me,” Russell shared. “He’d ask, ‘Why not you? Why not play pro baseball? Why not play pro football?’” That simple question fueled Russell’s ambitious dreams and unwavering belief in himself.

Despite his struggles, Harrison was a rock for his family. Yet, he carried regrets. As his other son, Benjamin, revealed, Harrison once confided, “I just wish I had been a success.” But to Russell and Benjamin, their father was already a hero.

Russell’s relentless pursuit of greatness—on and off the field—honors his dad’s legacy. Harrison’s resilience, encouragement, and lessons in dreaming big live on in every touchdown and achievement Russell celebrates today.