Steelers’ veteran QB Russell Wilson thanked baseball legend Reggie Jackson following his emotional speech about racism. This happened during a recent major league baseball game in Birmingham, Alabama. Notably, Birmingham is where Wilson played minor-league football for three years before choosing the NFL path. 

Wilson was clearly moved when Reggie Jackson described the discrimination he suffered during his career. The Pittsburgh QB tweeted, “So powerful,” thanking the MLB legend for his contributions to baseball. Wilson concluded, “We couldn’t play our favorite sports without you and others. Thanks for sharing boldly!” The Cardinals’ QB Kyler Murray also thanked Jackson for sharing his thoughts on going back to Birmingham. 

Mentioning harrowing experiences of being denied service at restaurants or country club entries due to his race, the 78-year-old stated, “Coming back here is not easy.” Another gruesome incident occurred when a gunman targeted him over a parking space argument in NYC. Jackson said that his support system during those difficult days was his management and teammates. He alluded, “I wouldn’t have reached the professional leagues if it weren’t for them.”

Jackson played for the Yankees from 1977 to 1981, the same team that Wilson has been a part of since 2007. The veteran QB had the option to pursue a baseball career, but he chose football. This dual-sport background shaped his perspective on the challenges Reggie Jackson faced.  

From Baseball to Big Leagues: Wilson’s dual-sport journey

While Wilson plays starting QB for the Steelers, baseball remains a constant presence in his life. Wilson, drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2010, said baseball was his “first love.” In his senior year at North Carolina State, he hit .306 with an OPS of .929. Furthermore, the Steelers’ QB hit .229 with five homers, 26 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases in 93 Minor League games for Rookie-level Tri-City and Class A Asheville. 

Russell Wilson’s minor league move, however, was difficult. His first-season batting average dropped to .230 and stayed around .228 the following year. The Steelers’ QB chose football full time despite a 14.8% walk rate in 2011, indicating a good vision for the strike zone. Wilson’s dual-sport background shapes his view of Jackson’s struggles. 

While the NFL is his focus, Wilson’s appreciation for Reggie Jackson’s struggle in baseball transcends mere respect and extends to understanding.