Before the game against the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson shared a throwback photo on Instagram of his grandfather, Dr. Harrison B. Wilson. Harrison, who passed away in 2019 at 94, significantly influenced Russell.
This story reminds Russell and sports enthusiasts of Harrison’s significance in the world of sports.
Who was Dr. Harrison B. Wilson?
Harrison, the grandson of a former slave, received his master’s and doctorate degrees from Indiana University. He also served as the president of Norfolk from 1975 to 1977, during which time a new graduate program was introduced under his leadership. Notably, Harrison was an athlete at Kentucky State University. During his tenure, the Spartans won the CIAA basketball championship.
In 2019, he passed away because of complications from dementia. Russell referred to his grandfather as both an educator and mentor. Today, he shared an Instagram story featuring an old photo of his grandfather alongside Bill Russell.
In the story, he wrote, “Grand pa was a G.” He also included the song “Baby I Need Your Loving” by the Four Tops. Russell values his family’s contribution to his career and often expresses this through his posts.
Russell’s inspiration
Russell has achieved a lot in his career. He is a Super Bowl champion, one of the highest-paid athletes, and a seven-time Pro Bowler. Many sources inspired him, including his father, Harrison Wilson III. He acknowledges his father’s contribution, so he named his child Win Harrison Wilson. His father taught him to dream big and never let anyone’s doubts stop him from achieving those dreams.
In an interview with ESPN, he shared: “My dad, when I was young, he always inspired me.” Russell added: “He used to always ask me the question, ‘Son, why not you? Why don’t you play pro baseball? Why don’t you play pro football?’ The idea of “Why not you?” was really at the center of who I was.” Russell’s father rarely missed his games during his younger years. He not only coached him but also conducted mock interviews after games.
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