Almost all the NFL players and teams are involved in some charity work. But Russell Wilson stands apart. When his visuals of visiting hospitals and schools, helping children went viral, everybody was in awe. Years later, the quarterback has changed teams, but not his gentle heart. He is still the same. Just last month, he opened the 1st ‘Why Not You’ center in Pittsburgh. His teammates were all around to support him.
Asserting his status as the leader of the locker room, he posted an Instagram story with a photo of his teammates and their family members. Praising everyone, he had a 9-word message for everyone in his caption, “Love the Heart of the guys on this team.” The fans loved their smiles while posing for the photo. It was a unique show of love, respect, and camaraderie.
There is a 6-figure donation, totaling $516,000, by the organization and players to the 2024 Social Justice Matching Fund. Overall, this fund helped 30 community organizations serve the needy people in the society. Russell Wilson has often shown a very deep commitment to helping different people across all sections.
The Steelers have tried to give back to the community in every way they can. Just last month, During the week 14 game against the Browns, they were a part of the ‘My Cause, My Cleats’ initiative. LB TJ Watt wore purple cleats to help UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. DL Cam Heyward wore bright gold cleats for The Heyward House. LB Elandon Roberts chose Healthy Start as he wants the women to have a good and comfortable birthing experience.
Arrival of Russell Wilson has been a positive influence on the franchise as the fans love him. During his decade plus football career, the QB has donated millions to help others. It’s truly inspiring.
Russell Wilson’s charity initiatives across the years
Mr. Unlimited formed ‘Why Not You’ organization to help communities in need in 2014. In 2016, when he played for the Seahawks, his foundation raised more than $1 million to help for the Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Strong Against Cancer initiative. The philanthropic trait shone brightly during COVID-19 in 2020, when he and his wife Ciara donated more than 1 million meals for children.
The times weren’t always great. In early 2023, some reports reported irregularities in the finances of Wilson’s organization. He remained steady and said, “We will always care more about impact than credit.This means the world to me, has meant the world to me and will forever mean the world to me.”
Irrespective of the rumors claiming that something was fishy with Wilson’s organization, he has kept serving. And the NFL World has recognized his giving nature. Just last month, in December 2024, the Big Ten announced him as the winner of the 2024 Ford-Kinnick Leadership Award. He was the first to win the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (in 2020) previously. That’s sweet. It shows how big his heart is.