KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

Angela Poe Russell: The ‘weird’ problem surrounding former Seattle Seahawk Russell Wilson

Oct 23, 2024, 10:01 AM | Updated: 10:05 am

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)...

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

I’ve never been a huge fan of the word “weird” to describe people and I didn’t like it when it came up in politics. But I do think it perfectly describes the energy around Russell Wilson.

Let me explain.

Ever since he left Seattle, it’s like some people are obsessed with the idea of him either failing or being fake.

Remember when he left Seattle for Denver and all of the stories that were leaked? There was talk about alleged diva demands (parking spots, offices), unusual warm-ups on airplanes and conflicts.

Angela Poe Russell: We can help people who feel lonely

Then, he goes to Pittsburgh and before he could play his first game, you had talking heads (Bomani Jones and Dominique Foxworth) saying stuff like this.

“We’re going to test this Russell Wilson gimmick really tough here,” Jones said. “The guy always says the right things.”

“They’re sick of him here in Pittsburgh,” Foxworth declared. “He’ll be a backup forever.”

Really? A gimmick. Someone with his stats? It’s one thing to critique someone’s football skills, but being criticized because you are saying the right things or that he’s too rehearsed or square.

More Angela: Hurricane Helene latest warning how climate change is affecting weather, storms

What’s fascinating is that some people are more angry and outraged at him for requesting an office and a parking space than they are about players driving under the influence and breaking the law. Let that sink in for a minute.

Maybe I’m taking this personally. I remember being that “weird” girl in school. The girl who stood to address teachers, who talked too proper and, who knows, maybe I did like attention!

Regardless, with Russell Wilson, it’s time to put things in perspective. At the end of the day, he’s been a respectful teammate, a seemingly present father — and an active community member.

As far as I see it, the only thing weird about Russell is our reaction to him.

Angela Poe Russell is a local media personality and contributor to KIRO Newsradio.

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: A Seattle Minister & Homeless Advocate Faces Child Porn Charges

Steve Hickey, aka PhotogSteve81, joined The John Curley Show to break the news that former Seattle City Council candidate and local homeless advocate and activist was arrested and charged with possessing and distributing child pornography materials. Listen to The John Curley Show every weekday at 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to KIRO Newsradio […]

6 hours ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: From Fluoride in the Water to the Earth Being Flat!

The Gee & Ursula Show talks about conspiracy theories, from the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., flat eathers, bigfoot, and fluoride in the water. Do you have any conspiracy theories? Share them in the comments! Listen to the Gee and Ursula Show every weekday at 9am on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to KIRO […]

7 hours ago

Image: This combination of photos shows Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harri...

Angela Poe Russell

Angela Poe Russell: A quality admired by Trump, is likely what hurt Harris

Loyalty is a quality that Donald Trump proritizes in his cabinet, but likely hurt Kamala Harris on the campaign trail.

14 hours ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Traveling For the Holidays? Use These Travel Hacks!

Gee Scott stops by SMN and shares some Travel Hacks just in time for the holiday travel season. Do you have any travel hacks? Let us know in the comments! Listen to the Gee and Ursula Show every weekday at 9am on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM or go to […]

1 day ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Squirrels Just Want To Have Fun!

John Curley tells the unforgettable story of Squirrely Whirly and poking a dead dog with sticks.😂 😂 😂 Listen to The John Curley Show every weekday at 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM, or visit MyNorthwest.com to learn more!

1 day ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: This Scam Sounds a Bit Fishy!

A MyNorthwest reporter, Bill Kaczarba, joined the Jake & Spike Show to talk about a salmon scam swimming into Washington restaurants. Listen to the Jake and Spike Show every weekday from 12pm – 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM or go to MyNorthwest.com to learn more!

1 day ago

Angela Poe Russell: The ‘weird’ problem surrounding former Seattle Seahawk Russell Wilson