Russell Wilson’s casino adventure was proof to the Broncos he’s just fine

The Broncos made a decision they thought was in the best interest of quarterback Russell Wilson.

He might not have agreed with it, but he had to abide by it.

That’s what happened last week when head coach Nathaniel Hackett announced that Wilson, despite his full clearance from concussion protocol, would be sitting down against the Arizona Cardinals. It was framed as an “organizational decision,” with Wilson’s health at the forefront.

And who could blame the Broncos? Wilson took a violent hit against the Chiefs the week before, even losing consciousness for a second or two on the field. It was a scary sight and cruel reminder of the risk these guys take every single play.

Still, Wilson practiced all last week like a man on a mission. He wanted to pass the protocols and play against Arizona. He’s extremely competitive, and no matter if Denver’s season is a lost cause or not, wanted to be on the field. After Hackett announced the news on Friday that Wilson wasn’t allowed to play, the QB was diplomatic yet disappointed.

“You can’t officially get cleared until today, but I got officially cleared today. You know, I was planning on being ready to rock and roll and play for us,” Wilson told reporters in the locker room.

That didn’t happen. And by now you know a solid run game and excellent defensive effort led Denver to a 24-15 win over the hapless Cardinals. It’s a game that a few years from now no one in Broncos Country will remember. They beat Colt McCoy and Trace McSorley in one of the least intriguing NFL battles of the season.

Meanwhile, what happened mere hours after Wilson was given the news he’d be on the bench, was rather interesting. Wilson and his wife Ciara took a trip up the hill to one of the many casinos in Blackhawk. Social media was ablaze as photos started to surface of Wilson at the blackjack table.

When you know you’re not playing Sunday. (My guy looks immaculate.) pic.twitter.com/SjZFq7SZJh

— Jon Ewing (@jontewing) December 17, 2022

The next morning, Wilson posted a photo of him and Ciara on his Instagram story, calling it a “date night with my love.” He wrote #BlackJack and used the emojis of different card suits. It was a good picture and something most folks are familiar with — a fun night out with the person you love.

I have absolutely no problem with Wilson and his wife going out for a date night. Some social media users were upset, but then again, that’s social media. Stepping away from football to hang out with a significant other is healthy and important. Wilson and Ciara have a model relationship that what we could all strive for.

However, what is a little curious, is where they chose to go. Casinos have lights, bells and whistles. They’re basically the last place a person with a concussion should be. And frankly, maybe that was the point. Wilson knew wherever he went he’d get photographed. He knew word of this outing would get back to the Broncos. Perhaps, that’s exactly what he wanted.

Players get concussions one Sunday and play the next all the time. The protocol might not be perfect, but it’s the standard that exists right now. And with Wilson passing it, he wanted to play and felt like he should’ve been allowed to give it a go. So, if the Broncos weren’t going to let him, he headed to a world of flashing neon signs, buzzers and big winners.

To say it was a “message” to those who held him out is probably too strong. It’s unlikely Wilson was filled with anger about the decision. But there certainly was a subtle point made. Whether that be to CEO Greg Penner, GM George Paton or Hackett, whoever sat him down, the QB made it clear he could’ve played.

Denver won and Wilson got another week off, so it’s all moot. Heck, even if the Broncos had lost, it’s not like it would’ve mattered. This season is shot anyhow.

Still, it’s hard to think the casino date night was a coincidence just hours after Wilson received the disappointing news. He knew what he was doing — and the Broncos brass probably has an idea as to why.

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