Russell Wilson stays strong

North Carolina State University

Russell Wilson stays strong

N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson talks with offensive coordinator Dana Bible on September 3, 2009.

By Jeff Gravley

Nov 25, 2009

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Quarterback Russell Wilson has spent more time with his position coach, Dana Bible, than any other coach on the staff.

"He's helped me tremendously as a quarterback, " Wilson explained, "But, more than anything, he's helped me off the field, staying strong and staying motivated through everything I do in life."

While Wilson prepares to play North Carolina, Bible is in a Chapel Hill hospital being treated for leukemia. The sophomore quarterback was told about Bible's illness Monday morning.

"It's definitely sad but at the same time, you kind of know that Coach Bible is going to be OK," Wilson said with a hint of a smile. "He's a very strong individual who motivates himself and a lot of other people."

Then Russell Wilson looked squarely into the TV camera and delivered a strong message to Coach Bible.

"I know that he'll be back," Wilson said with a confident smile. "So I'm excited for him to come back and get to work with me."

For that to happen, the red-shirt sophomore would have to return next year to play football and not leave early to play professional baseball.

Will Saturday's game against North Carolina be Wilson's final game at Carter-Finley?

"I'm just excited to play this game right here," he said. "I don't know my future necessarily but I know I have a game Saturday so I'm excited for that."

On Sunday, Wilson will celebrate his 21st birthday back home in Richmond. He will be with his father, who continues to battle the remnants of a stroke and diabetes.

Russell will also think about his coach who has just begun his battle with cancer.

"You really just have to focus on your family and the people that really matter to you, who have been there for you, " Wilson said. "Just get back home and see (my family) and continue to pray for Coach Bible and his family."

There was one more group to be included in the prayer list. "Continue to pray for my family as well," Wilson added.

Decisions on his future can wait. This is a week to be thankful.

Most Recent Comments

RE: Russell Wilson stays strong

Man I hope he does come back. I would love for him to shatter some of Rivers records and I would love to retire the #16 right beside the #17.

RE: Russell Wilson stays strong

Totally agree with everyone else - Wilson is a class act. He is so well spoken, which is unfortunately rare amongst college players. He gives credit to everyone else before himself and puts a positive spin on every negative. He represents his team well and I wish him the best, wherever he is next year. I also wish Coach Bible the best.

RE: Russell Wilson stays strong

That would be sweet, for sure!

Come on back Russell! We understand if you go pro in baseball, but we'd love to have you back!

RE: Russell Wilson stays strong

This guy has more character than any athlete I have ever witnessed. He puts God before anything else in his life and it shows on and off the field. I hope he stays this year and this comment makes me think he might be staying "I know that he'll be back," Wilson said with a confident smile. "So I'm excited for him to come back and get to work with me." I mean we only have one game left so maybe there is hope he will be here next year.

RE: Russell Wilson stays strong

He is definitely a class act. He's one of those players that even opposing fans can't dislike (except during the game!)

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North Carolina State University