Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson striking a pose

The day I found out who Russell Wilson was, was a Monday night. I was watching Monday night football on ESPN. As I watching, I realized how athletic and fun to watch the Seattle Quarterback was. I didn't know it at the time, but this rookie QB would eventually be my favorite QB in the NFL. In that game, Russell would eventually throw the game winning pass in one of the most controversial games in NFL history to beat the Green Bay Packers. The reason Wilson got my attention was his presence and ability to lead so well, even as a rookie. The athleticism and talent came to me later. I am a freshman at Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, California. I am a quarterback myself and I feel that Wilson is the perfect example of the kind of player I would like to be. However, becoming a quarterback like Wilson doesn't just happen overnight. You need to put in work day in and day out so you can reach your full potential at your specialty. Whether that means going to the gym every other day, getting private training, or even just watching other players so you can learn from them.

Being a football player comes with a lot of responsibility. You will be required to be at practice every day for hours, which will include running through plays, individual position training, and most likely some film after practice. Outside of practice you will have game once a week, no matter the level you are at. You also have to get the job done in the classroom. According to ncaa.com, to play at a division I college you are required to have 2.0 GPA or higher. Receiving a 2.0 isn't hard at all, but it does require just a little effort in each class. If you are planning to play a sport in college, you shouldn't just settle with a 2.0 GPA. You should strive to get the best GPA you can get as it will suit you much better after college. If you are lucky enough to play football beyond college, the average salary for you would be $1.9 million each year, according to business insider.com (2013). Some careers related to the NFL are MLB, NBA, PGA, NHL, and MLS. Recently, in the NFL, head injuries have been a big issue and have scared many people. According to www.northeastern.edu, the NFL is trying to reduce the amount of head injuries best as they can. They have taught the referees to penalize any players that target the head or have excessive contact with the other player's helmet. They have even fined and suspended players for targeting. A helmet company, Riddell, has come up with a helmet that will reduce concussions greatly. The helmet can absorb contact to the front of the helmet. The helmet is called the Riddell Speed Flex.

Russell Wilson back in High School ( ())

Ever since Russell was a kid, his father knew had a gift, and athletic ability that could not be taught. His dad first came across his ability when they were play whiffle ball in the yard, Russell was about 4 years old at the time. He was also throwing the football at that age. He took these skills to Richmond High School, where he led them to 3 state championships. He was also a starter on the baseball and basketball team. Wilson didn't stop there he went on to NC State, received the ACC rookie of the year award. According to jockbio.com Russell transferred to the University of Wisconsin for his last year of college eligibility and won the Big Ten Championship for them in 2011. After Russell's collegiate playing days were over, he got drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round, but he didn't stop there, he also got drafted by Texas Rangers in the MLB. Russell decided just to play football though and stick with the Seahawks. He had an amazing rookie season taking the Seahawks to the second round in a heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Wilson has only grown since his rookie year, taking the Seahawks to the Super Bowl twice, winning one of them. These days, Russell is sitting on a huge contract. He is a top 5 quarterback in the NFL, despite his height at 5'11. Russell is looking to lead his Seahawks back to the Super Bowl next season in 2016.

Wilson putting smiles on the patients faces. ( )

Although Russell might be the superstar with the biggest contract, good looking girlfriend, and Super Bowl ring, he sure doesn't act that way. Russell is a very down to earth guy and puts others before himself. According to Richmond.com and Seattlechildrens.org, since 2012, Wilson visits the Seattle Children's hospital once every week. It is hard for someone with his schedule to make a commitment to be there every week. That is what sets Russell apart. A lot of guys will do this one time and never do it again, but Russell keeps coming back and the kids react like it's the first time they've seen him every visit. "There's some kids that don't even want to even sit up, but when they hear he's coming, they muster up all their energy" -Eve Kopp. Kopp is the director at Seattle Children's Hospital.

(Russell Wilson rolling out against the Rams)

During high school, I will do many things to help me get to the next level, which is college. I will take a couple advanced classes every year. Community service is a big thing for me. I love to help others so I will get my hours in as much as I can. I am currently in the environmental club at capo. I also play on the baseball, basketball, and football teams. I would like to attend the University of California, Berkeley. During my time there I would love to be on the baseball or football team and major in business. After college, if my skill set allows me to, I would like to play in the NFL, but if that is not an option, I plan to become a sports analyst. Russell has influenced me that there is always hope in this world. Wilson being undersized at 5'11 gives me confidence that I can make it big just like him, no matter how tall I end up being.