Russell Wilson has taken a page out of Deion Sanders’ motivational playbook. Wilson has pocketed a few “receipts.”
Sanders, the first-year coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, constantly mentioned taking receipts on those who doubted or questioned his styles or his players. Wilson said he has done the same regarding the doubters who say he is washed up and will produce another terrible season in 2023.
“I think you’ve got them in your back pocket sometimes,” Wilson told reporters Wednesday when asked if he keeps receipts from those who have doubted him.
The Denver Broncos quarterback is a likely first ballot Hall of Famer after he retires. He led the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one. He earned nine Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Seahawks. However, what he is currently remembered for is his disastrous season with the Broncos in 2022 after the Broncos traded three starters and five draft picks to acquire the quarterback from the Seahawks last year. Wilson also signed a $245 million contract extension after he arrived in Denver.
Wilson produced the worst season — career-worst marks in completion percentage, passer rating, QBR and sacks — of his career as the Broncos imploded and finished with a 5-12 record. The Broncos haven’t competed in the playoffs since 2015.
The Broncos hired Sean Payton to fix the team, starting with Wilson. Wilson is confident that he will bounce back and return to form, the one that led the Seahawks to nine consecutive winning seasons to start his career.
“I’m used to some of those who believe and some of those who doubt and I think that when you’re playing high stakes and you dream to be the best you can possibly be every day, there’s always going to be people that question whether you can do it or not,” Wilson told reporters. “And I think I’ve proven that throughout my career what I can do and I got to do it again.”
The Broncos open their season with a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
