WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina State University

Russell Wilson stays strong

By Jeff Gravley

Nov 25, 2009

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.