Russell Wilson, known for his poise on the football field, attributes his success to more than just talent; he credits his relationship with Jesus for guiding his life and career. From a young age, Wilson prioritized God, stating, "In terms of my faith, my faith is everything: God comes first, family and friends come second, and football comes third." This commitment to placing God first was profoundly impacted by a dream he had at age 14. In this dream, Wilson saw his father pass away, and Jesus came to him, urging him to learn more about Him. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Wilson's faith journey.
God Spoke Through Dreams
Six years later, when his father passed away in 2010, Wilson found solace and strength in his faith. He recalls that this experience was made bearable by his earlier dream, saying, "It was that moment when I realized dreams were really real, because my dad ended up passing away six years later. I think that got me through a lot of adversity." Indeed, his faith has been a constant source of strength throughout the challenges of his life and career.
Faith Through Career Challenges
Wilson's commitment to living a life that honors God extends beyond personal challenges. After a tough loss in Super Bowl XLIX, Wilson heard God telling him, "I'm using you... I want to see how they respond. But most importantly, I want them to see how you respond." This perspective helped him remain grounded and focused on a purpose greater than football.
Living Out His Faith
Wilson's faith is not just a private affair; he shares it openly with others. He often consults with Pastor Judah Smith and listens to gospel music to prepare for games. He also established the "Why Not You Foundation" to empower youth, reflecting his belief that "to whom much is given, much is required." His marriage to Ciara also exemplifies his faith, as the couple chose to abstain from sex until marriage, illustrating their commitment to living according to their beliefs.
God's Plan Against All Odds
Through these experiences, Wilson has seen what he describes as divine intervention. Despite being told he was too short to be a quarterback, Wilson succeeded against the odds. He believes that "God has given me this amazing talent to throw the football, even though I'm 5'11″ and people said that I could not do it. Nobody can stop what God has for you." This confidence in God's plan is a testament to Wilson's unwavering faith.
Ultimately, Wilson's story is one of transformation—from a self-described "bad kid" to a leader both on and off the field, who strives to serve others and give glory to God. "My Hallelujah belongs to YOU," Wilson often declares, aligning his success with his faith in Jesus.
