Russell Wilson Keeps Legacy Alive After Earning An Honorary Doctorate From His Late Father's Alma Mater Dartmouth College

Ngozi Nwanji
·2 min read
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Russell Wilson has crossed off yet another accomplishment on his list. 

The NFL star has earned an honorary degree from Dartmouth College, according to DenverBroncos.com.

Russell Wilson Receives Honorary Doctor Of Humane Letters

Ahead of speaking to Dartmouth’s class of 2022 for its commencement ceremony, Dartmouth President Philip J. Hanlon awarded Wilson with the degree.

“For your poise, leadership and sportsmanship, both on and off the field, for your commitment to improving the lives of others and for your belief in the power of positivity and helping people reach their full potential, Dartmouth is proud to award you the honorary degree of doctor of humane letters,” Hanlon said, according to the outlet.

Keeping Legacy Alive

Wilson’s latest achievement is even more special as his late father was an alumnus of the Ivy League institution, as well as three of his uncles.

“Standing here at my father’s alma mater, looking out over this place that helped him become the man he was, it’s impossible not to think about his legacy,” Wilson said in his speech. 

Russell Wilson Speaks On Legacy In His Commencement Speech

“Now, legacy might seem like a strange topic for a commencement speech because, I mean, this is your beginning. You’re just starting out. But, graduates, if there’s one thing I hope to accomplish today, it’s to challenge you not to wait to think about your legacy and what that will be. Because legacy isn’t just something you leave behind It’s something you build, something you add to every day. My dad, he didn’t get as many days as he deserved. I miss him so much. But because he lived with legacy, he’s never really gone. I hear his voice all the time.”

"Why Not You?"

During Wilson’s speech, he mentioned how his father was the one to spark his NFL dreams with the question, “Why not you?” It’s the origin story for him and Ciara’s foundation and children’s book, which was released in March. As previously shared by AfroTech, the book aims to help children around the globe have a bright outlook on their futures.