The National Black Players Coalition recently named New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson its “Quarterback of the Century,” citing his career achievements on and off the field.

Wilson, who grew up in Richmond and attended Collegiate School, is entering his 14th NFL season and is the first Black quarterback in the 100-year history of the Giants to start a season opener. He has recorded more than 46,000 passing yards and over 5,400 rushing yards, making him one of the most productive dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history. He holds the record for the most wins by a quarterback in their first nine seasons and is the only quarterback with nine consecutive winning seasons. 

Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 as the 75th overall pick, Wilson led Seattle to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances in 2014 and 2015, winning Super Bowl XLVIII with a 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos. He has also guided his teams to multiple playoff victories, including several come-from-behind wins. 

In college, Wilson set NCAA records for most consecutive passes without an interception (379) and the highest single-season passing efficiency rating (191.8). He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team and earned Rookie of the Year honors. 

Off the field, Wilson and his wife, singer Ciara, are involved in charitable work through the Why Not You Foundation, which focuses on education, children’s health, poverty relief and youth football programs. Wilson has donated to organizations including Feeding America and the Boys & Girls Clubs and has received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and the Bart Starr Award. 

Wilson’s career has been compared to the legacy of earlier Black quarterbacks such as Fritz Pollard, George Taliaferro, Marlin Briscoe, James Harris, Doug Williams, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, Donovan McNabb and Steve McNair. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said Wilson “paved the way for a ton of guys, including myself,” reflecting the influence Wilson has had on the next generation of Black quarterbacks.