Yankees-owned Russell Wilson moved by MLB legend Reggie Jackson’s ‘powerful’ message during bittersweet return to Rockwood Field

Steelers veteran QB Russell Wilson thanked the baseball legend Reggie Jackson following his moving speech on racism. This happened at a recent major league baseball game in Birmingham, Alabama. Notably, it was in Birmingham that Wilson played minor league football for three years before choosing the NFL path.

Wilson was clearly moved when Reggie Jackson described the discrimination he faced during his career. The Pittsburgh QB tweeted: "So powerful," thanking the MLB legend for his contributions to baseball. Wilson concluded, “We couldn’t play our favorite sports without you and others. Thank you for sharing boldly! » Cardinals QB Kyler Murray also thanked Jackson for sharing his thoughts on returning to Birmingham.

Mentioning the harrowing experiences of being refused service at restaurants or entry to country clubs because of his race, the 78-year-old said: “Coming back here is not easy.” Another horrific incident occurred when a gunman targeted him over an argument in a parking space in New York. Jackson said his support system during those difficult days was his leadership and his teammates. He alluded, “I wouldn’t have made it to the professional leagues without them.”

Jackson played for the Yankees from 1977 to 1981, the same team Wilson has been a part of since 2007. The veteran QB had the option to pursue a baseball career, but he chose football. This dual sporting experience shaped his view of the challenges Reggie Jackson faced.

From baseball to the big leagues: Wilson’s two-sport journey

While Wilson serves as the starting QB for the Steelers, baseball remains a constant presence in his life. Wilson, drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2010, said baseball was his “first love.“In his senior year at North Carolina State, he hit .306 with a .929 OPS. Additionally, the Steelers QB hit .229 with five home runs, 26 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 93 minor league games for rookie-level Tri-City and Class A Asheville.

Russell Wilson’s move to the minor leagues, however, was difficult. His batting average for the first season dropped to .230 and remained around .228 the following year. The Steelers QB chose football full-time despite having a 14.8% walk rate in 2011, indicating good vision of the strike zone. Wilson’s dual-sport experience shapes his view of Jackson’s struggles.

Although the NFL is his priority, Wilson’s appreciation for Reggie Jackson’s fight in baseball transcends simple respect and extends to understanding.