‘Grateful’ Russell Wilson Breaks Silence After Receiving Backlash for Black NFL QB Comments Involving Patrick Mahomes
Follow Us
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson recently revisited his comments about the impact of his career on the opportunities for Black QBs. And it didn’t come after days of introduction but following criticism from former TE Shannon Sharpe. In an enlightening interview with Essence, Wilson provided clarity on his earlier remarks.
Wilson had said that the rise of quarterbacks like Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and C.J. Stroud was indicative of a new era in football, which he had brought about to a great extent. He took to social media to express his gratitude and provide context for his comments.
Russell Wilson defends what he said
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He appealed to people to “start building each other up“, and not try to put each other down. “Full context is always important! Grateful for those before me. Those with me. And those after. God is Good!” Wilson wrote on X, reflecting his appreciation for the pioneers and his peers.
Let’s start building each other up!!!
The Evolution of Black QBs in the @NFL has been one of the coolest experiences in my life to be a part of.
Full context is always important!
Grateful for those before me.
Those with me.
And those after.God is Good! pic.twitter.com/rQpKUR25Ol
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 13, 2024
In the Instagram story that he had shared, he highlighted parts from an article where he had given credit to the great Black QBs that had come before him. Players like Doug Williams, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Michael Vick. He also said that he had not tried to position himself as the “first” as even though he was in the league there were other players like RG3, Colin Kaepernick, and Cam Newton.
Trending
“Trying to Mourn…”: After “Brother’s” Death, Brenden Rice Admits Falling 4 Rounds in the NFL Draft as Chargers Draft Jerry Rice’s Son
April 28, 2024 11:50 AM EDT
Jerry Jones Trusts Trey Lance to Succeed Dak Prescott as Dallas Cowboys Prepare to Move On From Veteran Stars
April 28, 2024 12:00 PM EDT
“Very Disturbing”: Ex Wife Pilar Sanders Reprimands Coach Prime for “Stupid” Take on Shelomi’s Transfer Portal Decision
April 26, 2024 12:28 PM EDT
“You Weren’t There”: Pilar Sanders Minces No Word to Call Out Coach Prime for Inadequately Supporting Shelomi’s Career
April 26, 2024 02:17 PM EDT
“Got My Dawg Back”: Travis Hunter Took Over Bodyguard Duties for Shilo Sanders During His Playful Fight With Ryan Garcia
April 28, 2024 09:31 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
However, the initial misunderstanding had led to Sharpe taking issue with Wilson acting like he was the only trailblazer for Black quarterbacks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ocho and Unc argue over whether Wilson was right
In the swirling debate about the influence of Black QBs in the NFL, Chad “Ocho” Johnson and Sharpe dissected Russell Wilson’s recent remarks about his impact on the sport. Johnson chose to shine a light on Wilson beyond his athletic prowess. “He’s inspiration for one as a father, as a family man,” Johnson pointed out, emphasizing the inspirational role Wilson plays off the field. “You know seeing some of the things that he does away from the game of football are very inspiring.”
On the flip side, Sharpe was forthright in his dismissal of Wilson’s assertion: “Bro, you got to stop this you ain’t open no doors ’cause somebody the door was open before you walked in the door,” he contended, crediting earlier legends like Doug Williams and James Harris with the true groundbreaking achievements that facilitated the rise of Black QBs in the NFL.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While Wilson’s contributions are notable, the history of Black QBs in the NFL is a mosaic of many pioneers, each adding to the legacy that shapes the current and future generations.
Edited by:
Garima Yadav