Football

QB Russell Wilson says he plays 'all for God's glory' despite loss in return to Seattle

By Joshua Doering Sep 13, 2022
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson greets Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett, Sept. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Russell Wilson knows better than just about anyone how hostile of an environment Lumen Field can be for opposing teams. He got his first taste of it Monday night as his Denver Broncos lost 17-16 in Wilson’s return to Seattle.

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He said he wasn’t bothered by the boos he received, viewing them as part of the reality of the offseason trade that sent him from Seattle to Denver after spending the first 10 seasons of his career with the Seahawks.

“They may cheer for you. They may boo you,” Wilson said after the game. “They’ll love you one day, and they’ll hate you the next. That’s sports. At the end of the day, I’m going to keep competing. I’m going to keep battling. I know who I am. First of all, I think for me, I’m just grateful God’s given me the chance to play this game.”

It didn’t end the way Wilson was hoping, but his new team had a chance to win in the end. Facing a 4th-and-5 from Seattle’s 46-yard line in the game’s final minute, new Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett opted to attempt a 64-yard field goal rather than go for it. Brandon McManus’ kick was slightly too far left.

Wilson finished the game 29-of-42 for 340 yards with no interceptions, giving him the third-most passing yards in Week 1. He connected with Jerry Jeudy on a 67-yard touchdown to tie the score at 10 in the second quarter.

Despite the loss, Wilson led players from both teams in a prayer on the field after the game and later sent a tweet thanking God.

He walked away from the defeat pleased with how Denver’s offense was able to move the ball. The Broncos had 433 total yards and only punted the ball once. Were it not for two fumbles at the goal line, they could’ve been in control in the fourth quarter rather than trying to put together a game-winning drive.

“Guys are excited about where we’re going and what we can do,” Wilson said. “We didn’t get it done tonight, but there’s so much we can do.”

In his postgame press conference, Wilson made a point of expressing how grateful he was for his time with the Seahawks and the opportunity to be reunited with his former teammates. Though Seattle will always hold a special place in his heart, the 33-year-old has an unwavering belief Denver is where God wants him to be.

“I gave everything I had every day [with the Seahawks] … and God brought me somewhere else,” Wilson said. “I’m here, I’m in Denver, and I’m excited about it. I’m excited where we’re going. I’m just grateful. I give the glory to God because He’s given me the gift of playing this game.”

The nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion left Seattle confident he gave his all to the organization and is now embracing this new chapter of his NFL journey while keeping his focus on the Lord.

“It’s all for His glory, and His glory alone,” he said Monday night. “It’s not for anybody else’s. I play for an audience of One, and that’s just for Him. And so, I’m just grateful I get to be with these guys in this locker room. I’ve been around some amazing teammates in the past, and I’ve got some amazing teammates currently.”

Up next for Wilson and the Broncos is their home opener Sunday against the Houston Texans. Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. ET.

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