Despite Seahawks Break Up, Russell Wilson Celebrates Ex-Seattle OT’s Hall of Fame Induction With a Personal Message for Duane Brown

Back in 2021, Russell Wilson came out openly in support of Duane Brown when the latter was seeking an adjustment to his contract. “It just goes to show how much he appreciates the work I put in. I love the guy. That’s another reason I said I never wanted to miss any games, because I wanted to be out there for him as well,” Brown had said, reciprocating. Two years down the line, Russell Wilson’s regard for the former Seattle Seahawks left tackle remains the same. Wilson’s exit from the Hawks in 2022 did not seem to have dented that as he took to his social media to celebrate Brown’s indication to the Virginia Tech Hokies Hall of Fame.

On Wednesday, Wilson reshared a post by Virginia Tech Football in his Instagram story writing, “Congrats 76!!! Dominant @duanebrown76. Homie for life!” The video showed a resolute Duane Brown making sure that the blitzes don’t go past him. This is the second time in recent times that Russell Wilson has brushed aside the memories of his exit from the Hawks.

Back in January when veteran coach Pete Carroll big goodbye to his head coach position, the star QB came forth and acknowledged, “One of the Greatest Ever. Keep Shooting’ Coach. Grateful for the memories. Pete Carroll Best is Ahead.” It seems like Wilson’s sportsmanship takes precedence over disagreements. His relationship with Brown has also been tested through this.

Brown was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 and played there through the 2021 season. He spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets. Russell, the Super Bowl Champion, and Duane, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, have played 5 seasons together for the Seattle Seahawks. In February 2021, Russell expressed his disappointment, saying, “I’m frustrated at getting hit too much. I’m frustrated with that. At the end of the day, man, you want to win, you know.” 

Understandably, as an offensive lineman, Brown did not like to hear that. So reportedly approached Wilson to clear the matter. As things stand, Russell apparently did not keep that hard feeling, which is evident from his openly admiring Brown repeatedly.

Throughout his NFL career, Brown played 220 regular games (as of 2023) of which he started 218. He holds 3 combined tackles and 3 solo tackles in regular season games. His career snap counts are at a staggering number of 10,199. Interestingly, Brown has not been an offensive tackle throughout his career.

Brown, a Richmond native, came to Virginia Tech in 2003 as a tight end. But he transitioned to O-Lineman in his redshirt freshman season in 2005. He started at right tackle for two seasons and earned All-ACC honors. Then he moved to left tackle in 2007, again earning All-ACC honors. He holds a 32-8 record as a starter for Virginia. Acknowledging Brown’s contribution to the university’s football program, HokiesFB posted on Instagram, “Welcome to the Virginia Tech Hall of Fame Duane Brown.” 

Meanwhile, according to the University of Virginia’s press release, Brown, along with 7 others, will be inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame on September 30. Let us take a look at them as well.

Virginia Tech honors their best talents

Among the Hall of Fame inductees, quarterback Tyrod Taylor is probably the most prominent name. He played 4 seasons with Virginia Tech before he transitioned to the Baltimore Ravens in 2011. He played 14 games in 4 seasons at Baltimore but got his big break with the Buffalo Bills. He played 3 seasons as a starter. In his time at Virginia Tech, Taylor became a 3x ACC Champion and onetime ACC offensive player of the year.

He became the primary starting quarterback in his sophomore year and had a 34-8 record as a starter. Selected by the Ravens in the sixth round of 2011 drafts, Taylor is a Virginia Tech legend, a No.2 position in the school’s history in total yards (9,213). In his 13 seasons in the pro league, the 1 x Super Bowl Champion played with the Ravens, Bills, Texans, Browns, Chargers, and most recently, with the New York Giants.

He played the last season with the Giants having competed in 11 games and amassing 1,341 yards and 5 touchdowns. Right now, he is the QB2 for Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. Apart from Tyrod Taylor and Duane Brown, names like Jeff Artis-Gray, Larsen Bowker, Dave Cianelli, Brittany Pryor, Heather Savage, and Logan Shinholser will also be inducted into Virginia Tech’s Hall of Fame on September 20.