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The evolution from the NFL to the NBA is turning into a revolution. Once the transformation is complete, we will consider Tuesday February 9 as one of the most significant moments in the process.
The appearance of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson on The Dan Patrick show featured a rare and raw candor. Franchise quarterbacks, overwhelmed by the man-of-the-company vibe and fundamental fear of alienating the fanbase, typically say all the right things at the right time, never showing anything but complete and total loyalty to the team, to the cause, to the fans.
Texas quarterback Deshaun Watson has claimed top priority in the NFL news cycle by privately requesting a trade. He has yet to publicly say he wants to come out, but his silence – and the changes to his social media pages – speaks volumes.
Yet no quarterback in the franchise has made a calm and reasoned public argument for what Wilson means: to say directly in decisions made about building the squad that will surround him.
Some would say (as Simms did today on Live PFT) that any quarterback who seeks such influence should start grinding the film like any other scout. Wilson is surely looking for something less involved, but still impactful nonetheless. With his legacy at stake, Wilson wants to know that the other 10 attacking players and the 11 starting defense will complement, not complicate, his desire to win more Super Bowls.
With Tom Brady monopolizing seven of them since 2001, there simply aren’t enough championships for other championship-caliber quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger won two. Eli Manning won two. Peyton Manning won two. Since 1999, they are also unique winners: Kurt Warner, Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson, Nick Foles, Patrick Mahomes.
Wilson obviously has to have two before he can hit three or four or more. Rodgers continues to miss two. Mahomes had two great seasons that ended without Super Bowl wins, thanks to Brady.
Frankly, Rodgers has a lot more reason to speak up than Wilson. The Packers have failed to put enough talent around him. Rodgers, however, prefers to send messages with subtle, indirect phrasing. He resents it when members of the media spot the messages and amplify them, because he’s not willing to risk the years of resentment Brett Favre has endured – and all he did was want to come out at a time when the Packers have made it clear they don’t want him anymore. (It didn’t help that Favre was determined to play for the Vikings.)
Wilson has the ability and credibility to speak out about his desire to participate in personnel decisions. Being frustrated. About teams calling to inquire about an exchange. About being potentially available in a trade.
It is probably no coincidence that Wilson’s decision to launch an elaborate media strategy, including leaks to reporters and comments on the case and messages to a former player with a platform in Brandon Marshall, came immediately. after Brady left New England after two decades “f – king job” and did the job in Tampa helping the team build a championship franchise. Brady drew Rob Gronkowski. Brady wanted and got Antonio Brown. (Wilson wanted, but didn’t get, Brown.) Brady drew Leonard Fournette. Brady will attract even more veterans who want to chase a championship in 2021, including Adrian Peterson.
Wilson and Rodgers could too. Their teams have not yet allowed them. Wilson’s comments represent the most aggressive effort ever by a franchise quarterback to shake off the “man of the to become the business, man.
It will work or not. If not, Wilson’s Seattle time expiration date will become shorter than anyone thinks.
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