Russell Wilson Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

With the high stakes and copious amounts of money at play, sometimes people forget that athletes are real people with ups and downs just like everyone else. Russell Wilson, for example, has been highly scrutinized for his play as of late.

Although the quality of Wilson’s play on the field decreased as the season stretched on, it’s important to remember that there’s more to life than football.

“‘Prince’ 12 years ago you came into my life. I got you my rookie year & you have been a blessing to our family with so many memories, hugs and kisses from our 4 kids and us. You will forever be a part of us. Today was a hard day. But you overcame cancer 2x and lived 12 years when most live 6. Heaven got a good one! Forever the Prince of Peace. Love you,” Wilson tweeted on Thursday, with a picture of his family’s beloved Great Dane.

“So sorry to hear this. Been there and it’s the worst feeling in the world. Prayers to the fam,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“So very sorry. Losing our beloved fur babies is so hard. I wish God would allow them be with us longer than they are,” another fan added.

“As someone that currently has a 15yo dog, this hits heavy… dogs are BLESSINGS to humanity. Sorry for your loss. He’ll always be apart of your life,” one fan added.

“So sorry for your loss Russell! Losing your dog is one of the hardest things to go through in life in my opinion. Dogs are God’s gift to us, they bring us everlasting joy in such a short period of time. To our dogs though, we are their everything every single minute and day of their lives,” wrote someone else.

Hopefully, the Wilson family can heal together.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. At Next Impulse, Qwame covers sports with the same enthusiasm he brings to his recreational basketball and softball leagues.