Russell Wilson isn’t just a force to be reckoned with on the football field; he’s a stand-up guy off it. But beneath the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is a story steeped in familial love, loss, and unstoppable support from his parents.

Harrison Benjamin Wilson III, his father, was Russell’s first hero, the man who taught him to aim high and grind hard. When he passed, it was a staggering loss at too young an age, while Russell’s mom, Tammy Wilson, provided steadfast support in the aftermath.

Let’s take a closer look at how his parents have been the bedrock of his journey and how the tragedy has shaped his path.

The Man Behind the Myth: Harrison Wilson III

Harrison Benjamin Wilson III wasn’t just any dad; he was an athlete, an attorney, and a committed family man. A Dartmouth College alumnus, Harrison made his mark in both football and baseball. On the gridiron, he played wide receiver and split end, while on the baseball field, he held his own as a shortstop and third baseman with a knack for defense.

Sports pulsed through the Wilson family veins. Harrison’s legacy was a continuation of his father’s, who himself played football and basketball at Kentucky State University.

After a stellar collegiate run, Harrison pursued his NFL dreams. In 1980, he found his way to the San Diego Chargers’ preseason roster but a shoulder injury after just two games sidelined his professional aspirations.

Undeterred, Harrison pivoted to academia. He entered the University of Virginia School of Law and carved out a successful career upon graduating in 1980.

He also gave back to the sports community as the executive director of the Hard Road to Glory Sports Hall of Fame. Sadly, Harrison’s life was cut short on June 9, 2010, at just 55, succumbing to complications from diabetes.

The impact of this loss hit Russell hard, marking a profound chapter in his life.

Tammy Wilson: The Bedrock

Tammy Wilson, Russell’s mother, played an equally definitive role in his life. A career nurse, Tammy managed to balance her profession with raising three children alongside her husband. She began her nursing journey in Cincinnati, lending her expertise and care across various hospitals while keeping the family close-knit.

Together, Tammy and Harrison raised three kids: Harry, Russell, and Anna. Russell, the middle child, grew up watching his siblings follow in their parents’ athletic footsteps. Harry pursued football and baseball at the University of Richmond, and Anna took her basketball talents to Stanford University.

Tammy’s nursing experience was particularly vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. She stepped up, organizing extra patient space in hospitals, drawing from her experience to ease the strain on healthcare facilities. Russell often cites her dedication as a major influence on his own charitable endeavors, such as the Why Not You Foundation.

The Legacy of Harrison’s Words

Losing his dad at 21 was a pivotal point in Russell’s life. It coincided with the early stages of his professional football career, making the loss both a personal and professional juncture to navigate.

Despite the pain, Harrison’s teachings continued to light Russell’s path. “My dad, when I was young, he always inspired me,” Russell has said, underscoring his father’s role in instilling an unyielding work ethic.

Those lessons about grit and determination frequently serve as Russell’s compass, guiding him through both the fruitful and challenging moments of his life and career.

In essence, the narrative of Russell Wilson intertwines the love and legacy of his parents with his own personal drive to become not only a football champion but also a champion in life.