Russell Wilson has a decision to make on his future. And according to Emmanuel Acho, one of those options is completely off the table.
The former NFL linebacker and current media personality talked about Wilson’s next career move on “Speakeasy”. Acho is convinced the Super Bowl 48 champion cannot simply take a backup role with the New York Jets.
Emmanuel Acho Argues Russell Wilson Is Too High-Profile for a Backup Role
“Russ got to go to the booth,” Acho said flatly on “Speakeasy.” “He got to the booth. At the end of the day, the last three years of Russ’s career have done nothing for his legacy… Denver Year 1 did nothing good for you. Denver Year 2 did nothing good for you. Pittsburgh had nominal good, but that was undermined by the next year in New York.”
So why not simply accept the Jets job, prove the skeptics wrong, and compete for a starting position? Acho isn’t convinced, because he believes fame comes with its own rules.
“I think Russ is too famous to go into a season as a backup,” Acho added. “He never has. I don’t think he ever will… He didn’t go into New York as a backup. He didn’t go into Pittsburgh as a backup.”
Then Acho brought up Wilson’s wife, Ciara. “You can’t be married to Ciara, going to the Met Gala in $20,000 outfits and going and being a backup quarterback,” he said. “It looks bad for his reputation. I think it’s bad for his legacy… You’re too talented to be a backup. Your wife is too famous to be a backup.”
“Imagine your wife Ciara going to games and your pants [are] clean,” Acho continued. “That’s a disgusting look.”
Wilson and Ciara are among the most popular couples in football, and, as Acho said, his fame and legendary career don’t make him an ideal fit for the backup spot on one of the worst teams in the NFL.
Wilson, 37, addressed his situation directly at BTIG Charity Day in New York this week. He confirmed the Jets did extend an offer for a veteran backup role behind starter Geno Smith. And he admitted he’s genuinely torn.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
“It was great,” Wilson told the New York Post. “They offered me, and I’m trying to figure out what the next best thing is for me to do. I still know I can play ball at a high level, but I also have the opportunity to do TV, so we’ll see what happens.”
According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, Wilson posted an impact score of 60.7 last season, ranking 42nd in the league.
Even though Wilson hasn’t been at his best in recent seasons, he’s not ready to call it quits just yet. Last season, he made it clear that he wanted to return next season. So, the Jets’ offer could be tempting for him.
That TV opportunity is no throwaway option either. The Athletic reported Wilson has held serious conversations with CBS Sports about an NFL studio analyst role. That’s a legitimate path with real upside.
The Jets, meanwhile, are trying to add some veteran experience to a thin quarterback room.
Outside of Smith, their depth chart includes Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook, and rookie Cade Klubnik. Combined, Zappe and Cook have just 13 NFL starts. Wilson would bring a Super Bowl ring and a decade of starting experience.
He and Smith go way back, too. They were teammates for three seasons in Seattle. Smith reportedly gave Wilson a positive endorsement when the Jets consulted him about the move.
But Acho sees the bigger picture as the booth is calling for Wilson. And for a guy who never accepted being second in anything, a backup jersey for the Jets might be the hardest thing to pull on.
