Russell Wilson arrived in Seattle in May of 2012 with some lofty goals on his mind.
But while Wilson was joining the Seahawks looking to win the starting quarterback job and launch a Hall of Fame-caliber career, he had more in mind than just on-field goals; he also knew he had a chance to be a difference maker in the community.
"I got out here and my whole thought process on my heart was, I want to make a difference," Wilson said. "One, I want to start, I want to play, I want to have a long career and win multiple Super Bowls and hopefully go the Hall of Fame, do all that stuff—that was my thought process my rookie year before I even hopped on the plane here. The other part was I really wanted to make an impact on the city, and I really wanted to be able to make a difference in the community."
Over a nine-year career, Wilson has in so many ways lived up to his own lofty goals, becoming a Super Bowl champ, an eight-time Pro-Bowler, and just as importantly, a person who has done so much good in the community. Wilson was again a Pro-Bowl quarterback in 2020 and his off-field impact was bigger than ever, and as a result, Wilson won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award at Saturday night's NFL Honors show.
The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, one of the most prestigious honors given to an NFL player, was established in 1970 and renamed for the Hall of Fame running back in 1999, and recognizes excellence both on and off the field. Each team nominates one player for the yearly award, and by winning Wilson receives a $250,000 donation to Russell and Ciara's Why Not You Foundation. Founded in 2014, the nonprofit is dedicated to fighting poverty through education, empowering youth to lead with a why not you attitude. Wilson is only the second player in franchise history to win the award, joining Steve Largent, who won it in 1988.
"The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, to me, represents excellence, not just on the field, but more importantly off the field," Wilson said. "In life, we're granted the opportunity to have an impact, no matter what sphere of influence we're around. Walter Payton was one of the greatest examples of what he was able to do not just on the field, but more important off the field to give back and to serve and to love and to care. For me, to be able to be even mentioned with a name like Walter Payton is one of the greatest blessings I could ever have and one of the greatest honors you could ever have."
Giving back is nothing new for Wilson, who started visiting kids at Seattle Children's hospital prior to his rookie season and never stopped going back, making visits nearly every Tuesday throughout his career—this year those visits had to be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilson and his wife, Ciara, also have made a huge impact over the years with their Why Not You Foundation, which strives to empower change in the world, one individual at a time. Since it launched in 2014, the Why Not You Foundation, in partnership with Safeway and Albertsons, has donated more than $9 million to Strong Against Cancer, money that funds life-saving immunotherapy treatment. Wilson and Ciara have also helped raise more than $1 million for Friends of the Children, a nationwide organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
Russell Wilson's community service efforts have been numerous and varied, a big reason he was named the Seahawks' 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Nominee. Take a look at photos of Wilson in the community from throughout his time with the Seahawks.
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But for all Wilson and Ciara have done over the years, a 2020 that was so challenging for so many people brought out the best in them from a philanthropic standpoint. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson and Ciara donated 1 million meals to Feeding America and Food Lifeline, then partnered with the aviation company Wheels Up to launch the Meals Up campaign, which raised the equivalent of more than 50 million meals.
The Why Not You Foundation also teamed up with the United Way, the Rockefeller Foundation and Door Dash to expand Ride United to deliver food and supplies to vulnerable populations in 175 communities across the country, a program that made more than a million deliveries in 2020. The newly-established Seattle program became a "pilot program" to be used as a model nationally, and has expanded beyond food banks to include grocery stores.
And in a year when the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery sparked protests around the country and increased the dialogue about racism and police brutality, Wilson became more outspoken in the fight against systemic racism, using his voice and platform to fight for change.
"The reality is that me as a black person, people are getting murdered on the street, people are getting shot down, and it's not like that for every other race," Wilson said in June after Floyd was killed by police officers in Minneapolis. "I think about my stepson, I think about my daughter, I think about our new baby boy on the way. It's staggering to watch these things happen right in front of our faces. So I have a heavy heart right now. Ultimately, it's a lot of pain, there's a lot of history in America. There's a lot of hate in America, there's a lot of division. I pray that we can be better as people… Some of this police brutality is staggering, and honestly that's not something I understand fully. It's pretty emotional just to watch some of the videos.
"I'm going to say I am hopeful that we can make a change. I'm hopeful that we're going to vote, I'm hopeful that we're going to pick the right leaders to be able to help us in this process. I'm hopeful that the people that I get to work with, the corporations I get to work with, will help make a change with me and Ciara and everybody else that we know. And I know that us, the Seattle Seahawks, are going to do as much as we can to make a difference. I'm hopeful that there will be a change, because I'm praying that my kids don't have to grow up in a world where they have to face that much weight every day when they walk outside.
"A guy was murdered last week, and there needs to be a change. There needs to be a change. It's not overly complicated."
Later in the summer, Wilson co-hosted the 2020 ESPY Awards with fellow Seattle sports stars Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, and he opened the show in a Black Lives Matter shirt, delivering a powerful monologue on pioneering Black athletes and the role sports can have in the fight against racism. At the same time, Wilson and Ciara secured billboards and digital message boards in communities across the country reading, "Black Lives Matter, Love Russell & Ciara."
Wilson and Ciara also used their platforms to encourage voting, especially among young people and communities of color, through the I AM A VOTER campaign. They also announced in 2020 the founding of the Why Not You Academy, a tuition-free public charter school in Des Moines, Washington that is set to open in the fall of 2021.
"For me personally, 2020 really changed my perspective," Wilson said. "I've always thought about others and that's always something that's been important to Ciara and me, but when you realize that so many people every day can be affected in so many different ways, it was so important that we give back. It felt like God was calling on us to do something, calling on us to use our resources, use our networks of relationships and such to come together and really try to make a difference. Ultimately it made me think about my kids, that I pray that this isn't them one day, so that's why we really tried to step up and make a difference in 2020."
On the field, Wilson excelled as he has throughout his career, earning Pro-Bowl honors for the eighth time in nine seasons, helping the Seahawks to a 12-4 record and an NFC West title, and throwing a career-high 40 touchdown passes.
And throughout his career, Wilson's success on Sundays and in the community has been driven, in no small part, but the rhetorical question his father, Harrison Wilson III, used to always ask his three kids, Russell, Harrison IV and Anna.
Why not you?
Harrison III died from complications of diabetes in 2010, but not before he and his wife, Tammy, instilled in their three kids the drive to excel not just in sports but in life.
"The thing my dad used to always tell me as a young kid was, 'Son, why not you?'" Wilson said. "'Why not you play pro baseball, why not you play pro football, why not you graduate early, why not you do this and that?' I realized at a young age when I was 6, 7, 8 years old, that was the driving force question consciously and subconsciously that I ended up asking myself all the time. And I think that's the question we all have to ask ourselves."
So it's only fitting that this prestigious award Wilson won, acknowledging his excellence on and off the field, happens to be named for one of Harrison Wilson III's favorite athletes.
"My dad's probably smiling ear-to-ear, because (Payton) was probably one of my dad's favorite athletes of all time, and he always talked about what he did off the field and who he was as a person," Wilson said. "… I know my dad's smiling down on me, and I know Walter's up there too, they're probably hanging out, maybe even smoking a cigar, who knows? What a blessing it is.
"If I can serve others, I think that's my responsibility. It's my responsibility as a quarterback to serve to help my teammates, but more importantly, it's an opportunity and gift to be able to give back to others around the country, around the world, and I think that's why God has me right where I am, and I'm grateful for it every day."
A look back at past winners of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. The award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. It was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton.
Green Bay Packers Bart Starr (15) during a game from his career at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Bart Starr played for 16 seasons, all with the Green Bay Packer. He was a 4-time Pro Bowler and was 1966 MVP and inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.(David Durochik via AP)
Baltimore Colts Johnny Unitas (19) during a game from his career with the Baltimore Colts. Johnny Unitas played for 18 years with 2 different, was a 10-time Pro Bowler, 3-time MVP and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. (David Durochik via AP)
San Diego Chargers Rams John Hadl (21) during a game from his 1973 season with the San Diego Chargers. John Hadl played for 16 years with 4 different teams and was a 6-times Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
Kansas City Willie Lanier (62) during a game from his career season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Willie Lanier played for 11 years, all with the Kansas City Chiefs, was a 8-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs Len Dawson (16) during a game from his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Len Dawson played for 19 years, with 3 different teams. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.(David Durochik via AP)
Oakland Raiders George Blanda (16) during a game from his 1972 season with the Oakland Raiders. Blanda played for 26 years, with 4 different teams was a 4-time Pro Bowler, and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981.(David Durochik via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals Ken Anderson (15) during a game from his 1973 season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Ken Anderson played for 16 years, all with the Cincinnati Bengals, was a 4-time Pro Bowler and the 1981 NFL MVP. (David Durochik via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers Franco Harris (32), in action during a game from his 1975 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Franco Harris played for 13 seasons with 2 different teams, was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.(David Durochik via AP)
Chicago Bears Walter Payton (34) during a game from his career with the Chicago Bears. Walter Payton played for 13 years, all with the Bears, was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.(David Durochik via AP)
Dallas Cowboys Roger Staubach (12) during a game from his 1979 season with the Dallas Cowboys. Roger Staubach played for 11 years, all with the Cowboys, was a 6-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.(David Durochik via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers Joe Greene (75) during a game from his 1970 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Joe Greene played for 13 years all with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was a 10-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.(David Durochik via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Harold Carmichael (17) rushes upfield circa 1983.(Tony Tomsic via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann (88) is seen in action circa 1978. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Washington Redskins Joe Theismann (7) during a game from his 1978 season with the Washington Redskins. Joe Theismann played for 12 seasons, all with the Washington Redskins and was a 2-time Pro-Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
San Diego Chargers kicker Rolf Benirschke (6) attempts a kick during the NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sept. 14, 1986 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Jets defensive end Marty Lyons (93) rushes on defense during a 23-20 double overtime loss to the Cleveland Browns in the 1986 AFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 3, 1987 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Miami Dolphins center Dwight Stephenson (57) sets to block for quarterback Dan Marino (13) during play in an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks Dec. 29, 1984 in Miami. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Reggie Williams (57) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City on November 13, 1983. The Chiefs defeated the Bengals 20-15. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
Chicago Bears Dave Duerson (22) during a game from his 1986 season. Dave Duerson played for 11 years with 3 different teams and was a 4-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
Seattle Seahawks Steve Largent (80) during a game from his 1987 season. Steve Largent played for 14 years, all with the Seattle Seahawks, was a 4-time Pro Bowler and inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
Houston Oilers Warren Moon (1) during a game from from his 1994 season with the Houston Oilers . Warren Moon played for 17 years, with 4 different teams, was a 9-time Pro Bowler and inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.(David Durochik via AP)
Chicago Bears Mike Singletary (99) sideline portrait from his 1990 season with the Chicago Bears. Mike Singletary played for 12 season, all with the Chicago Bears, was a 10-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.(David Durochik via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals Anthony Munoz (78) during a game from his 1992. Anthony Munoz played for 13 seasons, all with the Cincinnati Bengals, was a 11-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.((David Durochik via AP)
Denver Broncos John Elway (7) in action during a game from his 1996 season with the Denver Broncos. John Elway play for 16 seasons, all with the Denver Broncos. John Elway was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.(David Durochik via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas (58) in action during an NFL football game. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
San Diego Chargers Junior Seau (55) during a game from his 2001 season. Junior Seau played for 20 seasons with 3 different teams, was a 12-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason (7) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the New England Patriots, Oct. 16, 1994. The Jets defeated the Patriots 24-17 at Giants Stadium. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Washington Redskins Darrell Green (29) during a game from his 1987 season with the Redskins. Darrell Green played for 20 years, all with the Redskins, was a 7-time Pro Bowler and inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.(David Durochik via AP)
Dallas Cowbows, Troy Aikman (8) in action against the Los Angeles Raiders on October 25, 1992 in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Cowboys beat the Raiders 27-13.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
Miami Dolphins Dan Marino (13) in action during a game from his 1999 with the Miami Dolphins. Dan Marino played for 17 years all with the Dolphins and was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.(David Durochik via AP)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter (80) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2000, in Tampa Fla. (Allen Kee via AP)
Linebacker Derrick Brooks #55 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Raymond James Stadium on October 15, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Bengals 14-13. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jim Flanigan (99) takes on a block by New Orleans Saints guard Wally Williams (63) during an NFL game on October 8, 2000. The Saints defeated the Bears 31-10. (AP Photo/NFL Photo/Allen Kee)
Pittsburgh Steelers, Jerome Bettis (36) in action during the 2001 season.(AP Photo/Chris Bernacchi)
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Troy Vincent (23) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 21, 1997, in Landover, Md. (Allen Kee via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Will Shields (68) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Dec. 30, 2001 in Jacksonville, Fla. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn (28) at an NFL football game between the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)
Indianapolis Colts Peyton Manning (18) during a game from his 1999 season with the Indianapolis Colts. Peyton Manning player for 17 years with 2 different teams and was a 14-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees directs a receiver as he looks to pass in action against the Indianapolis Colts during a NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019 in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts 34-7. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2009, file photo, Miami Dolphins' Jason Taylor (99) chases the action during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami, Fla. Taylor realizes he has a lot of work to do to endear himself to New York Jets fans. It could all start with a few early season sacks as he tries to take advantage of what might have been his last shot at continuing his NFL career. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (13) in action during the second quarter of their NFL football game in San Francisco, Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Brian Waters #54 during an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders November 07, 2010 at The Oakland Alameda County Colosseum in California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs with a field goal during overtime 23 - 20 in regular season week nine action. (Ap Photo/ Bill Nichols)
Minnesota Vikings safety Madieu Williams (20) is seen during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk (77) blocks after snapping the ball to quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar)
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten runs a pass route in action during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 35-31. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) chases the action during the NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, November 12, 2009 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 10-6. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) drops into coverage in action against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday Oct. 28, 2018 in Charlotte, N.C. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs during a week 13 NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Chicago The 49ers defeated the Bears 26-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs a route during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals, 20-12. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) in action against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long (56) in action during an NFL football NFC wild card playoff game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in Chicago. The Eagles defeated the Bears, 16-15. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell (93) in action during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M & T Bank stadium in Baltimore MD on October 11,2020. (Tom DiPace via AP)
