Russell Wilson had a few special guests in tow during his weekly visit to Seattle Children's Hospital this past Tuesday, when the Seahawks quarterback was joined by second-year receiver Tyler Lockett and Atlanta players Devonta Freeman and Mohamed Sanu, who are in town this week while the Falcons practice at nearby University of Washington ahead of Sunday's Week 6 game between the two teams at CenturyLink Field.
We shared video from the group's outing earlier this week, and before Thursday's practice at Renton's Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Wilson was asked about the trip he took with his teammate Lockett, Freeman, who he met at the 2016 Pro Bowl, and Sanu, who he trained with at IMG Academy.
"It was just a special day," Wilson said. "It's bigger than just the game. It's bigger than just the game, the reality of life is way more important and just being able to share those moments with those kids and to be able to put a smile on their face, kids lit up when they saw us out there in the rooms and stuff, and same thing with the Falcons guys. It was just a special day."
Wilson, whose father died in 2010 at age 55 after a long battle with diabetes and whose mother worked as an E.R. nurse, said he understands "what it means for family members, loved ones to be in hospitals."
"I think ultimately God's given me a great opportunity to give back," he said. "To share moments with people, and the idea that everything's not perfect in life but if we can find a way to share love and to give back and to hopefully give a smile to somebody, that's the hope. Every time I walk into the room I'm praying for a miracle. Whenever you see a young kid who's eight years old, 10 years old, six years old, maybe a newborn, it's never a good sight, but ultimately you hope and believe that that person will be able to overcome the situation and hopefully that you'll be able to encourage the family members too as well."
