None of these things were supposed to happen though.
Coming out of college, Russell wasn’t highly regarded by NFL talent scouts. At 5-feet, 10-inches he was just too small.
NFL quarterbacks are usually around 6-feet, 5-inches tall. That height is necessary in order for them to see downfield over massive offensive and defensive lineman who are usually around 6-feet, 6-inches tall.
So, the experts wrote him off and he fell all the way down the draft board to the 13th pick of the 3rd round.
He epitomized the crumpled, folded, dirty $100 bill.
But as we know now, Russell was waaaaaaay undervalued.
So, who does he credit for his incredible successes and achievements?
His father!
And exactly what did his father do?
It may not seem like much to you, but to Russell it was everything.
You see, Russell’s father died in 2010 way before all the success he’s enjoying today. His father believed something about Russell and believed it very deeply. He believed his son was as good as any quarterback he’d ever seen. He believed his son had tremendous value and
potential.
And so, everyday he’d say to Russell these powerful words.
“Why not you?”
After saying them day after day, week after week and month after month for many years, the words were burned into Russell’s brain.
So much so, that even after his father had passed away, Russell could still hear those words reverberating in his head.
Why not you?
The words haunted him.
Why not you?
The words drove him.
Why not you?
Why not you?
Why not you?
They drove him all the way to greatness.
Success as a college quarterback?
Why not you?
Get drafted even though you’re a 5-foot, 10-inch quarterback?
Why not you?
Become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL?
Why not you?
Win the Super Bowl?
Why not you?
Become the highest paid player in the NFL with a net worth over $100 million?
Why not you?
Be selected by Wheaties cereal to be on their box?
Why not you?
Become an icon of succeeding even when the odds are against you?
Why not you?
Simple words? Yes. But very powerful if you take them to heart.
So, as you sit here on the first day of a new year and new decade, I’m asking you the same question.
Why not you?
Succeed in a new groundbreaking business?
Why not you?
Create a significant second income?
Why not you?
Achieve financial stability?
Why not you?
Achieve financial security?
Why not you?
Achieve financial freedom from being a “wage slave” and retire in comfort?
Why not you?
Impact the black community and the African American zeitgeist?
Why not you?
I hope those three words resonate and reverberate within you throughout 2020.
But, that’s not all.
I have a few more words I’d like you to take into the new year and new decade.
Several years ago, I heard Wellington Boone speak in person. He spoke for 90 minutes… but the only thing I can remember from his speech is one sentence.
One sentence comprised of just seven words.
You’re one idea away from crazy money.
That’s all I remember.
One idea can change your life forever.
It just so happens that each of us could be staring such an idea in the face.
I certainly believe we are. Several of you do as well. As Deanna Alexander aptly said, “this could be epic”.
Epic indeed!
With Deanna’s and Wellington Boone’s words in mind, the only words I want to attach to them are the ones Russell Wilson’s father poured into him.
Why not you?
Go make a ruckus!
Brian
