Russell Wilson has led the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl two straight years, so it’s not at all surprising he’s a popular man in the Pacific Northwest.
That said, according to the polling company Public Policy Polling, Wilson’s popularity rating is so incredible they have been shocked by his unheard-of “favorability”:
Russell Wilson with a 92/1 favorability rating in Washington- *so* close to being the first person we ever polled with a 0 unfavorability
— PublicPolicyPolling (@ppppolls) May 18, 2015
According to Greg Bell of The News Tribune, Public Policy Polling is “known as one of the most accurate political polling companies in the country.”
In addition to Wilson’s on-field achievements, he is also a stellar citizen off it. He regularly donates his time to visit a Seattle children’s hospital, where he is a bright shining light for those kids.
Bell also correctly notes his popularity is not exactly going to help the Seahawks in their pursuit of extending a new contract to Wilson. The quarterback is reportedly seeking a new deal that will pay him $20 million per season, according to Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole.
No doubt the loyal fanbase in Seattle believes Wilson should receive such a contract.
Unfortunately, the Seahawks are faced with not only having to pay Wilson, but other young stars like inside linebacker Bobby Wagner are in line for new deals as well. The Seahawks could potentially head into the season with Wilson playing under his rookie deal, which won’t sit well with the faithful 12s.
Wilson’s popularity is warranted. It remains to be seen if the Seahawks will be influenced enough by it, however, to make him a happy camper for the 2015 NFL season.
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports