Seahawks QB Russell Wilson Posts Emotional Tribute to Father on 10-Year Anniversary of His Death

On the field, we see NFL players as tough, unbreakable competitors, which made Russell Wilson's vulnerable and emotional tribute to his late father on Twitter and Instagram that much more impactful. Wilson's father died 10 years ago due to complications from diabetes.

Wilson called his father one of his greatest inspirations, and shared a touching memory of the two "jamming out to Earth, Wind, and Fire" together. The QB has been open throughout his career about the close relationship he shared with his father, and we definitely felt that in his post.

Wilson faced a great deal of adversity throughout his journey to the NFL, and his fathers' values — perspective, vision, and belief in himself — are definitely big reasons for his success. Wilson was told that he was too small to play in the NFL and lost the starting QB job at NC State during his senior year. He's now a Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro-Bowler, and it's obvious his father would be so proud of him.

Wilson is a father himself, and he's carrying on his dad's legacy with his son and daughter. His wife, Ciara, shared a heartwarming video earlier this week of Wilson doing their three-year old's hair.

It seems Wilson's father has had a big influence on his values as a family man.