On March 4, the Denver Broncos announced they’ll be releasing quarterback Russell Wilson. The team had high hopes after making a blockbuster trade for the veteran, but that move is now being called the “worst transaction in Broncos history.”
In the 30 games Wilson started for Denver, he went 11-19. The Broncos started the 2023 campaign by going 1-5, and by season’s end, Wilson had been benched.
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Wilson, 35, will become a free agent on March 13, when the new NFL year begins. Several teams have been mentioned as possible landing spots for the nine-time Pro Bowler and 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Wilson won a Super Bowl during his 10 years with the Seattle Seahawks.
Russell Wilson Posts Thank-You Message
Russell Wilson, an outspoken Christian who often shares Bible verses and encouraging words online, posted a lengthy thank-you message Monday afternoon. “This city will always hold a special place in my heart,” he wrote about Denver. “Our family grew here, we made countless memories and friendships, and formed relationships that will last a lifetime.” Wilson and his wife, singer Ciara, have four children, including a newborn.
Thank You Broncos Country 🙏🏾 – #3 pic.twitter.com/3IoVheYVyI
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 4, 2024
To his teammates, Wilson said, “I am blessed for the impact you have had on my life. I am beyond grateful for all of you and to have been able to run out as your teammate was an honor.” To Ray Jackson, the Broncos’ vice president of player development, Wilson wrote, “Thanks for your countless prayers. Daily. To give God the praise daily and us getting on the floor to thank Jesus for breath in the good times and the bad times. HE always gets the glory!”
Wilson ended by writing, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next.” The QB posted similar words late last year, when it became clear his time with the team was ending.
Russell Wilson on Winning and Fatherhood
Notably, the QB’s thank-you message made no mention of head coach Sean Payton or the team’s front office. As the 2023 season wrapped up, Wilson accused team officials of threatening to bench him unless he restructured his contract’s injury clause. During a December game, Payton was seen screaming at Wilson on the sidelines.
Although Wilson’s brief stint with the Broncos is being labeled an “abject failure,” several sports reporters say they respect him for remaining a “consummate gentleman.”
The Broncos organization thanked Wilson “for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career.” The team had signed him to a five-year, $242.6 million extension when he arrived in Denver. By releasing Wilson, the Broncos will absorb an $85 million dead-money hit over the next two seasons.
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On the Feb. 24 episode of the “I Am Athlete” podcast, Wilson told host Brandon Marshall he wants to win two Super Bowls over the next two years. “I want to feel the chill of that trophy again,” the QB said. “The thing I want to do is to win; that’s all I care about.”
