“My dad, when I was young, he always inspired me. The idea of ‘Why not you?’ was really at the center of who I was. I started really subconsciously and consciously asking myself that question,” Russell Wilson earlier recalled his late dad,  Harrison Wilson. Seemingly, it was not easy for the Steelers‘ star QB to shape his athletic trajectory after his dad’s death in June 2010. But, despite losing hope, he chose to move forward by taking inspiration from his dad’s valuable lessons. And, one other person in his life–his mom, Tammy Wilson, who has always been behind him every step of the way.

Thus, with his parents’ steadfast backing, Russell, 36, has established his name in the high stakes of the football world. From NC State Wolfpack and Wisconsin Badgers to now Steelers’ player, his athletic drive is pretty much impressive. Since he was drafted as the third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, he played for the Seahawks and Broncos and currently serving for the Steelers. And, during this season, he led the team by an impressive 4-1 start. Becoming an SB champion and earning the Pro Bowler selection seven times wouldn’t have been possible without the off-field backing of his parents.

Who are Tammy Wilson and Harrison Wilson III?

Seemingly, NFL star QB is grateful for his mom, Tammy Wilson’s effort. She has been his contact pillar of support throughout his life’s journey. Besides her role as a supportive mom, Tammy, 65 has an excellent career in the medical field. Allegedly, she is currently serving as the Director of Patient Outreach and Care Management at UW Medical Center in Washington Medicine.

She also served as a legal nurse consultant. As per her LinkedIn profile, she initially served as a nurse in Cincinnati in July 1987. Since then, she has been providing her assistance to the patient as a nurse by working through several positions.

And, her efforts as a medical staff went viral during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even her NFL son, Russell himself, adored her endeavor during NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico’s live show. Allegedly, Tammy impressively organized additional patient space to relieve overburdened hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak in the US.

“My mom is in Seattle right now and she’s helping build, basically these portable hospitals in a way, in and around the community in Seattle so people can check for coronavirus and everything else,” Steelers QB asserted. And, obviously, for his mom’s efforts, he felt proud of her.

Besides this, she also developed the Christian faith in her NFL son. For this, he adored her earlier through an IG post on her birthday in November 2022. “Mom, You’ve taught me through the midst of pain, through the midst of the storms of life, when life sometimes gets rocky to always keep the Faith and keep praying,” he captioned in his post.

Earlier, NFL mom-son went viral when the NFL QB bought a new home for his mom on Mother’s day in 2019.“Thanks for loving us the way you do. This one for you. I love you, momma,” he stated for his mom. It indeed showcased the loving bond between the two.

Not only his mom, but his late dad, Harrison Benjamin Wilson III, also has a great impact on his life. Just like him, his dad was also involved in athletics. He played for Dartmouth University in Hanover, New Hampshire as a football and baseball player at shortstop and third base positions. Allegedly, during his college days in the 1970s, he played at the WR and split-end positions for the DU’s football team.

Reportedly, Russell Wilson’s dad excelled at the Dartmouth. Impressively, he set the record for the First Team All-Ivy by shattering the 23-year-old team record for receiving yards. Not only this, he also played for the San Diego Chargers during its preseason in 1980. However, after the shoulder injury, he decided to quit football and make his career in law.

Besides his notable athletic drive, Harrison garnered his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. And, later, his dad worked as an attorney in Procter & Gamble’s legal department. And, then, seemingly, he served for the law firm, McGuireWoods in Richmond, Virginia. He also serves as an executive director of the Hard Road to Glory Sports Hall of Fame.

Besides his professional career, he raised his three kids,  Harry, Anna, and Russell with his wife. Being an athletic dad, he instilled athletic values in all 3 children. Harrison’s  2 kids are involved in athletics. Besides Russell, his brother, Harry is also involved in sports who played basketball at Stanford University. Unfortunately, he later suffered from severe diabetes, which ultimately caused his death in June 2010.

How has Russell Wilson coped with his father’s passing away?

Despite adversities after his father’s loss, the NFL QB continues to build on his father’s athletic legacy. His dad, Harrison’s unfulfilled NFL aspirations and health issues, left a significant impact on him. Russell Wilson is often seen paying heartfelt tribute to his dad while recalling his learnings. On his 10th death anniversary, Wilson shared an affectionate tribute to him on Instagram.

“Dad, I miss you every day. You were and still are one of my greatest inspirations. You helped instill Perspective, Vision & Belief in me. 3 things necessary for not only success but overcoming. Jesus blessed me with an amazing Dad in you and I will forever cherish my time with you,” he mentioned in his post. It showcased that his father’s great lessons in life shaped his career trajectory.

Not only this, NFL veteran QB earlier recalled his dad’s father’s courage amid his health struggles during an interview in 2017. When his mom acknowledged that his dad had limited time and doctors deemed his recovery impossible, he surprisingly woke up from his coma.

“He kept on fighting for another three years before he passed away,” Wilson remarked. Not only this, but seemingly he gets strength and inspiration from his dad’s struggling life. “I think about my father’s courage almost every day, and how he defied the odds,” he mentioned earlier.

It indeed showcased that his dad’s personal experience of life helped him to shape his athletic journey.