Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s trophy case got a little bigger this month after he was awarded the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Award of Excellence for his work in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Wilson joins an extremely impressive list of former honorees, including Hank Aaron, Brett Favre and Jim Kelly.
“My Dad made sure I understood the importance of helping others,” said Wilson about the honor. “I’m grateful to be in a position that allows me to give back in a meaningful way, and I’m honored to be selected by the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation for this honor. Individual efforts are important, but when we all come together, true impact is made.”
Since getting drafted, Wilson has spent his Tuesday’s at Seattle Children’s Hospital during the season, helping uplift the kids and their families. His ‘Why Not You Foundation’ has raised over $8 million dollars for the ‘Strong Against Cancer’ fundraising initiative over the past five years. Wilson is the team captain of the initiative, which has the goal of curing pediatric cancer with immunotherapy treatment.
This award recognizes individuals who have the desire to prevent cancer and find a cure, and who capture the spirit of commitment and pursuit of excellence embodied by former Packers coach Vince Lombardi.
Wilson, by all accounts, fits those metrics and is extremely deserving of this honor, given at the 30th anniversary of this event.
