Russell Wilson just scored big with Pittsburgh fans—and this time, it wasn’t on-field. The nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback took a timeout from football to make a surprise visit to a Pittsburgh children’s hospital, bringing smiles, hugs, and a much-needed boost to young patients.
Known for his moves on the turf, Wilson showed his softer side as he spent time chatting, signing autographs, and handing out mini footballs. It’s safe to say he won over the Steel City with this heartfelt gesture.
Russell Wilson Making Pittsburgh Home
“He is a damn good human being.” That’s how one fan put it after Russell Wilson’s recent visit to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The Steelers QB’s been a regular face at the hospital throughout his first season in Pittsburgh.
On Tuesday, the 35-year-old shared a few snaps on IG from his latest visit, capturing a few smiles and a lot of gratitude from the kids. For Wilson, these weekly stops have become a staple of his 2024 season—no touchdowns necessary, just time and heart.
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The Super Bowl XLVIII champ’s dedication to the community brings to mind NFL legends like Peyton Manning, known for similar work in Indianapolis. Just like Manning, Wilson has a foundation aimed at supporting children, and his efforts have drawn major applause from Steelers Nation.
Fans on social media were quick to show love. “Russ is a damn good human being. Lucky to have him around the city,” one fan said, capturing the city’s admiration for their new QB.
Russ is a damn good human being. Lucky to have him around the city
— Tyler Miller (@TylerNMiller) November 12, 2024
The reactions didn’t stop there.
“People can call him corny all they want: the stuff like these weekly visits that he does is GENUINE as it gets,” posted one fan.
People can call him corny all they want: the stuff like these weekly visits that he does is GENUINE as it gets
— Mr Unlimmmited (@chris_ferland) November 12, 2024
“All that hating just for dude to cook up. it’s cool to see fr,” commented another.
all that hating just for dude to cook up. it’s cool to see fr 🔥
— Barkley Super Bowl LIX MVP (0-0) (@BarkleysBurner_) November 12, 2024
Wilson, who also made multiple stops at the hospital in September while recovering from a calf injury, has used these visits to keep his spirits high and give back to the Pittsburgh community.
Even fans from his previous teams chimed in with appreciation. “He’s a good dude. It’s too bad he didn’t work out in Denver, but both sides seem to be happy with the outcomes,” one noted.
“I never understood the hate, dude giving his time is cool,” another user said.
“Very sweet. Much appreciated from the families,” a third quipped.
Wilson may be throwing touchdowns for the Steelers, but it’s his heart off-field that’s making him a true MVP in the Steel City.
Russell Wilson’s ‘Why Not You Foundation’: Empowering Youth, Changing Lives
Wilson didn’t just roll into the NFL with big dreams; he came with a mission. Just two years after he hit the gridiron, he and his ‘Why Not You Foundation’ were already setting up plays off-field, aiming to power up youth education, children’s health, and knock down poverty. With a bold “why not you” attitude, Wilson’s message is clear: dream big, go bigger.
Joining forces with his wife, Ciara, the duo has raised a whopping $15M for youth-focused causes. Ciara’s global influence has supercharged their reach, bringing empowerment programs to girls and young women across borders. Together, they invested $2M to launch ‘Why Not You Academy’ in Des Moines, Washington, giving local kids a boost in education.
When they originally launched ‘Why Not You’ in Seattle, Wilson talked to reporters about the process and the reasons behind the foundation.
“To be able to create the Why Not You Academy here in Seattle has been such a blessing. What’s so cool is that you get to see so many kids along the way, and the experience that they are getting to talk to some awesome people that have gone through ups and downs in life, people who have built businesses, just creating that opportunity for kids that they may not have otherwise.
Our charter school has been really great, it’s just the enthusiasm and the teachers are amazing. Education has always been big. My grandfather was the president of Norfolk State for a long time, for 22 years, and my grandmother was a doctor and taught at ODU, my uncle went to Dartmouth. There is a lot of education in my family.”
Where did the name come from? Wilson said that it all started when he was younger thanks to his father.
“The thing my dad used to always tell me as a young kid was, ‘Son, why not you?'” Wilson said last year. “‘Why not you play pro baseball, why not you play pro football, why not you graduate early, why not you do this and that?’ I realized at a young age when I was 6, 7, 8 years old, that was the driving force question consciously and subconsciously that I ended up asking myself all the time. And I think that’s the question we all have to ask ourselves.”
Fast forward three years, with Ciara and Wilson calling the shots, the foundation is a power play, fueling young people to tackle their goals with confidence and grit.