Russell Wilson on taking big hits over the years: “I didn’t sign up for tennis”
Dec 21, 2022, 3:49 PM
There are several valid complaints about Broncos QB Russell Wilson right now.
His play hasn’t lived up to the level fans expected, and the team sits at a disappointing 4-10 on the year. But one thing you can’t question is his toughness. Wilson clearly wants to win, as evidenced by the nasty hit he took against the Chiefs a couple of weeks ago while scrambling for a first-down.
The blow concussed Wilson and even knocked him out cold for a couple of seconds. He cleared concussion protocol last week, but was told he had to sit out against the Cardinals. The Broncos made an organizational decision, with Wilson’s health at the forefront.
In 11 years in the NFL, Wilson has missed just five games, including two this season with Denver. However, he’s taken a ton of big hits over the years. As a “smaller” quarterback, Wilson’s put his body on the line several times to try to win.
At his press conference on Wednesday, Wilson was asked about all those blows over the years. He said he’s aware of what he’s doing.
“It’s a lifestyle. You know this game is a physical game. I’ve said this before, but I didn’t sign up for tennis. I signed up to play a physical game and to know that you’re going to get hit. You’re going to battle. And I’m not afraid to get in there too and mix it up a little bit if I have to,” Wilson said.
The tennis comment is one of Wilson’s better soundbites this season. With all due respect to tennis, there’s not a lot of physical risk when playing it. At least not to a person’s brain. Wilson said he’s not thinking about getting injured or being afraid to run when he’s out there.
“You don’t ever worry about that. I’ve played 200-some games — I’m not exactly sure the number in the NFL. I’ve played a lot of pro baseball games, a lot of college baseball, a lot of college football. I’ve made it through a lot, man, I’ve been blessed, ” Wilson said.
It’s the right attitude from Denver’s QB, but it’s still hard to ignore what these players go through every week. It’s a dangerous game, and Wilson understands that.
The record might not be where fans want it to be, but hopefully they can appreciate the desire and heart from their franchise quarterback.
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