“When I was 12 years old, my dad used to tell me, ‘Even if you score zero or you score 60, I will love you no matter what.’” These were the heartfelt words of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, reflecting on his father’s unwavering support during his early struggles in school games. A similar story resonates deeply with NFL star Russell Wilson. The 36-year-old quarterback has shared a heart-wrenching memory about his own father, capturing the same profound bond.

The onetime Super Bowl champion appeared on The Pat McAfee Show yesterday, where he shared several important updates about his career and personal journey. Among the most heartfelt moments, he opened up about his late father, Harrison Wilson III. When Pat McAfee asked him about dad, Wilson recalled, ‘When my dad passed away, I remember the next morning hearing, like, “The sun still comes up in the morning.”

He further added, “No matter what we got through in life, especially when you’re 1 of 32 guys… why would I be negative.” The football world witnessed Russell’s winning mentality when he returned to the gridiron in Week 7 after a calf injury. Following his comeback, the team went on to win four straight games. And where did this discipline and love for the game come from? No doubt, his dad was the inspiration behind it.

The quarterback still holds his dad’s teachings close to his heart. “My dad, when I was young, he always inspired me,” Wilson shared. “He used to always ask me, ‘Son, why not you? Why don’t you play pro baseball? Why don’t you play pro football? The idea of Why not you?’ was really at the center of who I was. I started subconsciously and consciously asking myself that question.” Sadly, Harrison Wilson III passed away in 2010.

After so many years in the league, one question loomed over Wilson heading into the 2024 season: What does his NFL future hold? Well, the quarterback himself cleared that up just yesterday.

Russell Wilson’s heartfelt message for Pittsburgh team

Unlike many other veterans, Russell Wilson has been open about his stance on his NFL future. Having been a free agent for a year now, he’s hinted that the upcoming season might follow the same path—especially as he considers retirement. The Steelers QB recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he candidly shared his thoughts about what lies ahead in his NFL journey.

The 36-year-old said, “I got so much more in me. My goal is to be with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a long time. And hopefully finish my career there.” Talking about the franchise, he also added, “Pittsburgh was a special place for me, I love it. It’s a special place because of the guys, and the locker room, and the traditions, and the people, and the winning—all of that. Plus you have Mike Tomlin, who’s arguably the best coach of all time.” Even after the wild-card loss against the Ravens, he was asked about the future with the Steelers and he said, “I don’t know. I’m not going into all that. I think people at the top know more.” 

But here’s the twist… The real pressure is on the Steelers to make a move before March 13, as that’s when the free agency frenzy kicks off. If they don’t act fast, the whirlwind of 2025’s free-agent chaos could sweep Wilson up. So, all eyes will be on what happens about a month after Super Bowl LIX—things are about to get wild!