As part of his strategy to revitalize his star quarterback, Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton had some direct advice for him: “Focus less on Russell Inc.,” as revealed by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham.
Wickersham’s report detailed Payton’s candid conversation with the nine-time Pro Bowl player, which included a pointed remark.
At one juncture, Payton told Wilson:
Will you f–king stop kissing all the babies?” he told Wilson at one point. “You’re not running for public office.”
Over the years, Wilson has carefully cultivated a specific public image, resembling an ambassador or elder statesman of the sport.
It’s a role that has seen him seated next to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in luxury boxes during the Super Bowl, among other high-profile appearances.
It’s no secret that Wilson holds ambitions beyond his playing career. ESPN’s Brady Henderson once recounted a 2010 meeting with Wilson’s agent, Mark Rodgers, who shared a revealing anecdote: “It was extraordinary.
It wasn’t about football and baseball. It was about a legacy. It was about a foundation. It was about businesses. It was about owning an NFL team someday. It was about building an empire.”
Typically, such aspirations don’t pose a problem when a player is performing at an elite level. Michael Jordan, for instance, was known for his brand-consciousness, yet his success on the court, with six NBA titles, overshadowed any concerns about image.
However, this focus on image becomes more contentious when a player’s performance declines. In Wilson’s case, he faced criticism on multiple fronts during his challenging 2022 season.
Payton’s advice isn’t the first time someone has raised concerns about the 34-year-old quarterback’s perceived preoccupation with his public persona.
Last October, NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt characterized Wilson as a “poser” and “one of the least authentic personalities we have in this league.”
If Wilson doesn’t show improvement in his first season under Payton, comments like these are likely to persist.
