Without question, 26 year old Russell Carrington Wilson is a gamer and leader.
The 5’11 quarterback, born in Cincinnatti, Ohio, was selected by the Seattle Seahawks as the 12th pick in the third round (75th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 2012, selected to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and 2013, led the Seahawks to the the NFC Championship in 2013 and 2014, and won the Super Bowl in 2014.
Russell and the Seahawks were hoping to win back to back world championship rings in Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. Unfortunately, with seconds to go on the game clock, and the ball on the New England one yard line, Seattle suffered a heart wrenching loss when Wilson through a pass only to be picked by undrafted 2014 rookie Malcom “The Butler Did It” Butler and the New England Patriots went on to win their fourth Super Bowl in 14 years, 28-24.
Many would say that was an embarrassing loss. There was plenty of Monday morning quarterbacking on that Sunday evening. Color commentators and raving fans alike saying it was the most imbecilic call in Super Bowl history.
This week, Russell Wilson released the following video giving his thoughts on the loss and the future.
Russell’s words echoes several qualities of the consummate leader:
- Accountable for their actions
- Leaders are learners
- Passionate about the cause
- Willing to take risks
- Expects to be there again
- Team player
- Wants to make a significant difference
- Vulnerable and humble
“Leadership is the art of mobilizing others to want to struggle for shared aspirations.” – Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner from The Leadership Challenge
When I look at Russell Wilson, there’s no doubt in my mind his teammates will do anything to either go over, around, under, or crush through any obstacle that’s in their way to win a game. That’s because they have a passion for their leader and the shared goal of winning championships.
With the parity of the National Football League, winning is easier said than done. Everyone has to have the collective mindset that this is group of individuals expending tons of sweat equity to achieve something special.
Finding the right people to put on the team is the number one challenge of most business owners I speak with. The next challenge is getting everyone moving in the right direction. This takes leadership.
“Call me crazy, call me insane, I don’t know. But, I believe I’ll get there again.” – Russell Wilson
After watching the video, what leadership attributes would you add to my listicle?
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Thank you.
That is one mentally stable kid. I feel for him and the situation but I think he’ll overcome it all. As for your list… you pretty much said it all. 🙂
I agree Mitch. What a fabulous young man. It’s great to see wholesome individuals like Russell leading other men and setting an example.
It’s so important to not listen to those who tell us we can’t recover.I remember so vividly when I was going through my divorce– all the people who acted like at 34 I was destined to live alone for the rest of my life. Ridiculous. It didn’t turn out that way 😉
Glad you found the new Mr. Karin. 😉
Ya, isn’t it funny how everyone else think they have all the answers?
p.s. Kingsman is rated R.