Russell Wilson is ready to build trust with new Broncos teammates

Denver Broncos franchise quarterback Russell Wilson had his introductory press conference on Wednesday. It was a big day for the Broncos as they finally secured the services of a high-quality starter at the quarterback position – a void they’ve had since Peyton Manning retired after winning Super Bowl 50. It was a big day for Wilson as he made the transition to his second team as he’s looking for a fresh start.

Broncos general manager George Paton was so grateful when he introduced Wilson to the fan base.

“Thank you to everyone for showing up for this wonderful day. This is a historic day for the Denver Broncos and all of our fans out there in Broncos Country. We’re thrilled to welcome quarterback Russell Wilson — a nine-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion, a Walter Payton Man of the Year (winner) — to the Denver Broncos,” Paton said.

So, how do the Broncos win with Wilson? It’s simple; it comes down to trust. Wilson is as competitive as they get in the NFL, and he wants to make the Broncos great again. The best way to do that is trust the process and know that success leaves clues.

“Winning is everything. It’s a process. It’s a journey. It’s dedication, commitment, sacrifice—it’s relentless sacrifice. So to be able to do that every day,” Wilson said.

Wilson is ready to build trust in Denver. How does he do that? Let’s take a look.

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Work Ethic

There is no doubt that Wilson’s work ethic is off the charts. He’s one of the first-guy-in, last-guy-out types you sometimes hear about with the greats. Wilson is one of the most driven players in the league even though he’s achieved the highest success a quarterback can in the pros. He’s been to two Super Bowls with the Seahawks, winning one, but that’s not enough for him.

He believes in letting his work lead the way, and Wilson may be more motivated than ever before. The Seahawks traded him away – for multiple reasons (mainly because they felt he would not sign a new deal there), but that must motivate Wilson to prove them wrong. There are plenty of doubters around the league whether it be fans, analysts, or former players. Wilson would love nothing more than to prove his doubters wrong. However, Wilson would love nothing more than to prove his supporters right. He’ll attempt to do that by working harder than anyone else.
Wilson believes work ethic is primary to building trust and building a winning culture.

“I think the first thing is, how do you build trust? I think you build trust by work ethic and communication. I think communication is everything, but I think work ethic is the best way to communicate. How you show up in the building, how you work in practice, how you demand excellence every day,” Wilson said.

A leader like Wilson leads by example. Yes, he’s more of a “rah rah” type of leader on the field but there are many times he will show up, work his tail off, and lead the way by his actions more than his words. The Broncos have plenty of talent in place – and everyone works hard in the NFL – but this team needs to ramp up their work in order to match the work ethic of Wilson.

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Communication is Key

The next way Wilson wants to build trust is through communication. Any good manager or leader knows that communication is key. Not only do you need to communicate, but you must know how to communicate with all sorts of people.

I’ve heard from former teammates of Wilson in Seattle that he learns how to motivate every player he comes across. Wilson connects with people, and he knows how to build strong relationships through honesty and sincerity.
Some may see Wilson as being “cheesy” but he’s a genuinely nice person who cares for those around him. Wilson takes time to get to know every teammate, even those who may not be in the league or with his team for long. Every player on the roster means a lot to Wilson because he knows they’ll contribute to the overall success.
Wilson admits that he’s engaging in the huddle.

“I always talk about engaging in the huddle. Every time I call a play, I want the offense to believe this play could go to the house. Every single time. Every time. So I think that starts in practice. It starts with one-on-ones. It starts with running routes,” Wilson said.

There will be no hidden feelings or assumptions with Wilson. He’s going to tell you what he thinks – in a nice way – and he’s going to help guide teammates both on and off the field.

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Offseason Work

As soon as they can, I’m sure Wilson and his receivers are going to be working out together in California where Wilson has a training facility (including his own football field) in San Diego. We’ve heard about these offseason passing camps before. One that springs to mind is when Mark Sanchez (remember that guy?) got his receivers together before the 2016 season only to fail to win the starting job or make the final roster.

With Wilson, things are going to be different. This isn’t just some passing camp among teammates that media types will get excited about. This is going to be work – real work – as the team builds chemistry through time spent practicing football away from the facility.

If I’m a guy like Tim Patrick, Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy I’m getting in the back pocket of Wilson as much as possible. There is no time to waste in the NFL, and the league is called “Not For Long” for a reason. Some think it will take time for the Broncos to push for a Super Bowl, and perhaps that’s true. However, they could compete for a Super Bowl in 2022 – especially if these offseason work sessions help quickly build the type of chemistry those offensive weapons will need in order to perform and produce at the highest level.

Wilson revealed that plans are in place for this offseason work to take place.

“Getting to throw in California or if I’m here, whatever it is in the offseason. We’re already planning everything and everything else. That’s where that trust comes. I think work ethic is always going to be the number one thing. You can’t mistake the work. I always say success leaves clues. I think that’s a key part to it,” Wilson said.

The Wilson workouts, no matter where they’re at, are going to be much more than an offseason fluff story. Real work, real time and real trust will be built between Wilson and his weapons.

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