Russell Wilson

With new technological advancements throughout the modern age, ideas and events are spread around the globe faster than ever before. And behind every great idea, video, or song is a person. Media celebrities, entertainers, and even viral video creators are now known as influencers, as they can reach countless people on a daily basis with a click of a button. We idolize these people because we aspire to be good at a skill they have, enjoy the qualities they have to offer. Whether it be the star athlete on a favorite sports team, our favorite singer, or even a funny comedian, we follow them online to get a whole experience of the person and what makes them special. But even if you enjoy an entertainer’s song, does that make him or her a hero? Just because he or she has millions of fans? And dollars? Heroes are people, celebrity or not, who go out of their way to make the world a better place by creating their own opportunities to help. Russell Wilson, the super star QB, is one of those people, a true hero for his community service--not just for his current service work (which is only saint like), but because he started his work before anyone ever knew his name.  

Russell Carrington Wilson was born on November 29, 1988, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He was the middle child of his parents Harrison and Tammy and had constant brotherly competitions with his older brother. He was a standout athlete in high school as he played on his school’s varsity basketball, baseball, and football teams. He was a standout football player, obviously, but was also considered a serious baseball prospect. After earning several honors in a dominant senior season for football, he attended North Carolina State. He played well, even earning ACC first team; however, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies (for baseball) and butted heads with his football coach, eventually transferring to Wisconsin where he finished his college career. While still technically an MLB minor league player, he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the 75th pick. As impressive as his sports career was at that point, he was still not very well known. (I myself love football and have been to Tully’s Bar and Grill at least ten times this season to watch all the games at once; however, once the first couple picks of the draft go by I hardly pay attention.) This is simply due to the fact that there are 130 college football teams with countless players and to make headlines in college you essentially have to be the best and then some. Especially as a quarterback. As recently as the past couple of years, countless Heisman players have seen their careers wallow away in the NFL, even though they were standouts in college. So as the 5th quarterback selected in the draft as a back up, not much was expected of Russell Wilson in his early career.  

A lot has changed since then and now, as he has transformed from backup quarterback to NFL superstar sending waves throughout the football world. His numerous awards including Rookie of the Year, 7 Pro Bowl selections, and a Super Bowl ring have allowed him to become the highest paid player in the NFL. But we are also here to talk about his tradition that was started off the field known as Blue Tuesday. Every Tuesday, in season and out of season, he brings hope and healing to kids in the most critical situations at the Seattle Children's hospital. The tradition itself is a blessing for the hospital, as you will find a whole different type of mood as kids and workers anticipate his weekly visits every single Tuesday no matter the circumstance. (Russell Wilson has visited the hospital on Tuesdays despite his own actions, such as visiting the day after the NFC Championship as well as hours after his record-setting contract was signed). In fact, it is so well known that Seattle jerseys are more common than nurse uniforms as people dress and anticipate his arrival. And he doesn’t hang out with just any children, he goes into the most critical situations he can find in the hospital. In one picture he was almost in a full hazmat suit just so he could visit a child. Now these actions are saint-like on their own, but what makes it even more impressive is that he started right out of college. It is common for superstar athletes and celebrities to visit hospitals and gracing patients with their presence of who they are. However, Wilson created this tradition right out of college, before he was famous and was just another person to the hospital's children. But he worked to make the kids' lives just a little bit easier. Becoming the Russell Wilson we know today has only boosted his volunteering career, and did not start it. He volunteered his time because he wanted to help with no other reason than to make a difference. And that is why he is my hero.