Title: Broncos benching of Russell Wilson: Just business, not personal
In the wake of the Denver Broncos’ decision to bench quarterback Russell Wilson, it has become clear that the business of football is at the forefront of every decision made by NFL teams.
The Broncos traded for Wilson and then tore up his existing contract to give him a massive deal worth $119 million over the first two seasons. However, after the Broncos approached Wilson about adjusting his contract, the offer was rejected, and the Broncos ultimately made the business decision to remove Wilson from the starting lineup. This sets the stage for his eventual release, as the Broncos seek to preserve their options in the offseason.
This situation emphasizes that, despite the rhetoric of “football is family,” the NFL is ultimately a business where every player is an eventual former player. Each decision is made with the business realities in mind, and in the case of Wilson and the Broncos, these business decisions have led to a breakdown in the relationship between player and team.
While this might seem like a personal matter, it is purely a string of business decisions from both sides. The Broncos are seeking to ensure their financial flexibility for the future, while Wilson is standing firm on the terms of his contract.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder that in the world of professional football, business comes first and foremost, even if the rhetoric of “football is family” is often used to disguise the true nature of the industry.