Russell Wilson's Parents Were Together until His Father's Untimely Passing

NFL star quarterback Russell Wilson grew up in a stable family where his parents stayed together until the unfortunate passing of his father. Along with that stability, the parents instilled great faith and belief into their children and did all they could to give their children better lives.

Russell Wilson currently plays for the Denver Broncos. Initially, he played for the Seattle Seahawks, who had selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. He is one half of a celebrity couple after he married R&B singer Ciara in 2016. Russell is devout and frequently demonstrates his Christian beliefs.

Russell Wilson was born to Tammy and Harrison Wilson III. While Harrison was a successful attorney, his wife was equally successful in the healthcare industry, where she now works as a nursing director. They raised Russell in Richmond, Virginia, and taught him some valuable life lessons he has kept to this day.

Russell Wilson's Parents Tried to Give Him a Better Future.

Harrison and Tammy's parenting was very much focused on making sure their children received top-quality education. The parents had fruitful careers after attending good schools and wished the same for their children. To achieve that, they also put their children in great schools.

Russell went to The Collegiate School, a school that is highly focused on preparing its students for higher education. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications from North Carolina State University and has a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin. Speaking about their parents, Harry Wilson IV said:

"They put us in an environment where we were challenged by our peers, or challenged by the faculty and staff in that school. Where you are always trying to kind of reach for the stars and we were always successful."

Russell Wilson's Father Was a Great Influence on Him

Harrison Wilson III was integral in getting his son to where he is today. He was active throughout his son's life until his passing. A star athlete in his younger days, Wilson III also played football and baseball at Dartmouth University. Russell played those exact sports in high school as well.

Apart from sports, his father was very intelligent and took his education seriously. The same can be said about Russell, who excelled in his studies. Some even said that Russell was not black enough because he was educated. Wilson III's friend, Nick Lowery, noted the resemblance between the two, remarking:

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen someone that embodies their father physically, in personality and temperament more than Russell does with Harry. Everything about Russell is so powerfully and uniquely integrated to his father."

Russell Wilson's Mother Is a Deeply Religious Person

The most significant influence that Tammy Wilson has had on her children is most probably their faith. The former ER nurse has been a true believer who puts God first; her kids picked up on that and have done the same. In a mother's day message, Russell thanked Jesus for blessing him with a mother like her.

Tammy has also been a big supporter of her son in many aspects of his life. The obvious ones are his studies and sports areas of his life. Her support also extends to her son's relationships, as she gave him valuable advice when Russell and Ciara began their relationship.

Ciara has a child from her previous relationship, so Tammy's advice to her son was centered on being the best father to that child if he was to have a successful relationship with Ciara. That showed the special connection between the two. Tammy also appears to have an excellent relationship with her daughter-in-law.

Russell Wilson Has 2 Siblings

The Wilson family comprised five members before their father's passing on June 9, 2009, from diabetes. Harrison and Tammy Wilson shared three children, two boys and a girl. Russell is the middle child, flanked by Harrison Wilson IV and Anna Wilson.

Harrison Wilson IV was born in 1983. Although he was also a talented athlete, having played baseball and football for the University of Richmond, he followed his father's footsteps by letting go of the sports to focus on his studies. He currently works for a medical device manufacturer and helps his brother with his businesses.

Anna was born in Richmond on July 12, 1997. Like her brothers, she also attended The Collegiate School, where she played basketball before going to Stanford University, where she currently plays for their basketball team. She also wears the No.3 jersey and draws a lot of influence from her parents and brothers.

The Wilson Family Has a History of Greatness

It is important to note that the success of the members of the Wilson family began as far back as the 19th century. One of their ancestors was a formerly enslaved person who insisted that all his 15 children get an education.

That strong desire for education has been passed down through generations of the Wilson family and has contributed to their success. There is a long list of people who have excelled in their careers in the family.

For example, Russell's grandmother and mother to Harrison Wilson III, Anna Wilson, was a professor at Jackson State University, and her husband, Harrison B. Wilson Jr., was president of Norfolk State University. He played football and basketball in college as well.

Therefore, Russell Wilson's parents have been great keepers of the family legacy and successfully pursued a better life for their kids. Harrison Wilson III was a very influential father figure, and his wife, Tammy Wilson, helped their children to have strong faith and humble personalities.