Russell Wilson ain’t just prepping for battle with the AFC West, he’s taking inspiration from beyond the gridiron too. The Broncos’ new signal-caller re-shared a powerful message on his IG story—something that hit close to home for the veteran QB.

The message came from an ex-college football player whose career ended on a rather tragic note due to a paralyzing injury. Inky Johnson. Sharing a small clip on IG from his podcast, Serendipity with Inky Johnson, the motivational speaker focused on the importance of ‘patience.’ He defined it as “the discipline that goes beyond hustle and hard work.”

This struck a chord with the Pittsburgh’s QB, who’s all about hustle and grind himself. But as Johnson’s story shows, even the hardest workers need a dose of patience now and then. 

Johnson’s injury in 2006 left him with permanent paralysis in his right arm, ending his football career at the University of Tennessee. Despite the heartbreak, the 38-year-old didn’t let it define him. He went back to school and took up psychology. After grad, he became a motivational speaker, using his own challenges to lift others up. 

This kind of resilience is what inspired Russ. His path to the NFL wasn’t a straight shot either. Juggling both baseball and football in college was one heck of a deal, but Wilson managed it pretty well. Guess this has a lot to do with his openness to learning and being inspired by those around him, much like his admiration for QB Peyton Manning during his Broncos trade. 

Russell Wilson’s journey, from Peyton Manning’s camp to the Broncos’ huddle 

Russell Wilson’s known for his laser-focused throws and championship aspirations. But would you believe his football journey kicked off with a legendary QB and a not-so-legendary hotel stay? As a kid, Wilson literally idolized Peyton Manning. Recounting his time at Manning’s Passing Academy, he quipped, “Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a five-star experience. We were stuck in this crummy hotel, not exactly glamorous for a football camp.”

Despite the less-than-ideal accommodations, Wilson’s spirits soared when he was chosen as one of a dozen youngsters to work directly with Manning on day one. “That was a dream come true moment for me,” the 35-year-old QB recalled. Fast forward to about two years ago, Wilson found himself traded to the Broncos, the very team Manning once led to a Super Bowl victory. Since then, the two QBs have developed a close bond. “It’s pretty cool to see how things have come full circle,” Wilson concluded.

Russ’ story highlights the power of mentorship and inspiration. It just goes to show, sometimes the biggest moments happen in the most unexpected places.