Athletes are never truly free from their alma mater. Successful pros are likely to have their likeness co-opted free of charge, once again, by their college program, as if their countless hours in the weight room and on the practice field can be traced back to freshman poli-sci.
Since Russell Wilson left North Carolina State in 2010, the Seattle Seahawk quarterback has been a little busy.
Check out the new addition to the trophy case.#SuperBowlXLVIII pic.twitter.com/mjLrJkXpxQ
— Ryan Nielsen (@CoachRNielsen) February 18, 2014
The thing is, Russell Wilson splashed onto the national scene while attending the University of Wisconsin. In fact, Wilson lists "Wisconsin" on his Seahawks bio. He's a fixture at Badger basketball games.
While Wilson does not appear to be a vindictive man, his affinity for the Badgers over the Wolfpack makes some sense. He was shown the door by the previous NC State coaching staff when he dared to follow his dream of playing Major League Baseball. Wisconsin was more than happy to give Wilson a roster spot once he decided to return to college for his remaining year of eligibility.
Wilson attained national prominence when he stormed through the Big Ten, played in a close Rose Bowl, and was drafted by Seattle the following Spring. NC State went a middling 7-6 and the coaching staff that turned Wilson away was fired two seasons later.
Wilson most likely would have never won a Super Bowl if he hadn't played at Wisconsin. His passing efficiency was a critical part of Seattle's success, just as it was in Madison during the 2011 season. In Raleigh, he hovered around being a 60 percent passer.
As Yahoo's Graham Watson pointed out, there’s nothing to show the memorabilia NC State placed was sanctioned by Wilson, which is ironic because he can be compensated for signing gear now. The jersey and helmet were likely purchased in a cheap attempt to remind a rebuilding NC State team of the glory days. The success Wilson brought to Wisconsin, on the other hand, hasn't left.
The Wolf Pack should have just waited for the Super Bowl champion jersey from Russell's replacement.
They may be waiting a while.