Let Russ Cook! It has been 13 years since Russell Wilson entered the NFL as a professional. In his rookie year, five Black quarterbacks, including Wilson, were starting for their respective teams. Fast forward to 2025, and the scene has changed drastically. Last season, the league recorded history as 15 Black quarterbacks started for their respective teams in Week 1 of the season.
The shift has been interesting and welcomed by fans and athletes alike. It has been almost 60 years since the first Black quarterback started a game in the NFL. Funnily enough, the man who achieved the feat, Marlin Briscoe, was not a quarterback, but joined the NFL as a defensive back; however, after the Broncos lost their starting quarterback, the team turned to Briscoe to fill the position.
Briscoe was not the first option, but in today’s NFL, Black quarterbacks are the most skilled and elite players. A new generation of quarterbacks has ushered in the dual-threat quarterback. The likes of Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, Justin Fields, and Kyler Murray have all changed the perception of the word quarterback.
Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson has had a part to play in this transition. In his first few years in the NFL, Wilson, too, was able to pass the ball and get out of tight situations using his mobility. He entered the NFL at a time when Michael Vick, the greatest dual-threat QB at the time, was close to retiring. Wilson, along with Cam Newton, carried on Vick’s legacy, showcasing what Black quarterbacks are capable of.
Russell Wilson has had a successful and rewarding career. He led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl twice and won a ring in 2014. Now, he is approaching the end of the road, as he gears up to turn 37 later this year, Russ knows that retirement is right around the corner. So in the meantime, he hopes to give back and mentor as many young Black quarterbacks as possible.
Russell Wilson is enthusiastic about giving back to the next generation
During a recent appearance on Carmelo Anthony’s Show, 7 PM in Brooklyn, Russ credited the Black quarterbacks that came before him for helping him experience such a fruitful career.
I think it’s my obligation, though, to be a mentor. Not just to all quarterbacks, but especially the Black quarterbacks that are trying to make it. Whatever I can do to inspire guys, to give guys belief, to give whatever questions, life questions, business questions, football questions, or whatever it is. I feel like, man, others did it for me. I got to do it for them and do it hundred times fold.
Note that Wilson said that he does not object to helping all quarterbacks, but he has a soft spot for Black quarterbacks because he was one of them 13 years ago, attempting to make his mark on the NFL. Say what you might about Wilson, but he has always conducted himself as a true professional, has seldom been in any controversy, and has constantly given back to the local communities of the teams he’s been on.
Presently, Wilson gets to mentor a young and hungry rookie in Jaxson Dart . The Giants expect Wilson to deliver two winning seasons with a playoff appearance and hold the fort down until the team is confident enough that Dart can take over the top job.
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