*NFL quarterback Russell Wilson was overwhelmed with emotion on Tuesday when he penned a heartfelt open letter to his younger sister Anna in honor of her graduating from high school. Brother Russ is also in awe of her going on to pursue her college education with a full scholarship to Stanford University.
Wilson, the Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahawks QB, begins his letter with an apology, admitting that as a 9-year old, he wasn’t that thrilled with the idea of being a big brother to a younger sister.
But when we got to the hospital and I saw you open your eyes for the first time, everything changed.
“I told Mom and Dad, “Look at her. She’s so cool. I have my own baby now.”
They laughed. After I held you for a while, Dad said, “All right, time to go to the store and get your glove.”
I said, “What? I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here.”
You won me over quick.
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Wilson also recalls the time he realized just how talented of an athlete his sister had become, especially after watching her and their father playing basketball together.
I always knew you had great things ahead of you, but I didn’t realize just how great until my second year in Seattle, when you came to town and we played one-on-one at the Bellevue Club gym. You had grown a little taller. I could tell your crossover was a little quicker. But I mean, come on. I’m Big Bro. I’m a pro athlete. You’re 15.
I started the game going like, 75%. (We had a big Monday Night Football game coming up.)
And you smoked me. By the time it was 7–1, I was going all-out. But it wasn’t helping. Next thing I know, you’re crossing me up, blowing by me, going straight to the basket and I had to foul you.
I’ll never forget you screaming, “And-one! You can’t take me!”
I turned around and there’s like 100 people watching, pulling out their phones. My baby sister, putting me on an And1 mixtape. That’s when I knew you were going to be something special.
Wilson also recounts Anna’s practical jokes and tells her that she inspires him:
Today, I’ll get to see you graduate from high school as a strong, independent, competitive, compassionate young woman — on your way to one of the best schools in the world on a full scholarship.
Mom will be there. Remember to hug her tight for everything she’s done for you, and for all the laughter and tears and late nights you’ve shared with her.
Our brother Harry, Grandma Carolyn, Uncle Ben, Aunt Merinda, Ciara and all the rest of our family will be there smiling.
But someone else will be there, too. He will be the proudest of all of us. Every time you hit a reverse layup, remember who taught you that move again and again and again out in the cul-de-sac.
You opened your own doors. Always play, always love and always lead with an open heart.
You turned out to be way cooler than a new baseball glove.
I love you,
Russell
#FBF to my amazing sister! Love you sis & admire your work ethic & persistence! @iamAnnaWilson3 pic.twitter.com/FadbJoFcPA
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) June 3, 2016
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