The Denver Broncos are targeting an improved 2023-24 NFL season, and quarterback Russell Wilson has been taking training very seriously.
Wilson already caught the eye at OTA's as the 34-year-old appeared to be much leaner than he was at the end of last season. But the quarterback posted an intense workout video on social media as he looks to get in the "best shape of his life" ahead of September.
A knee injury has troubled Wilson for some time, but the Broncos quarterback underwent arthroscopic surgery at the end of last season. His recovery process is going well, and if his workout video is anything to go by then he could be stronger than ever.
The Broncos haven't made the postseason since they won the Super Bowl in 2015, and legendary coach Sean Payton was brought in after the team went 5-12 last season. Wilson's first year with the Broncos was his worst career season in the NFL, but the quarterback is doing everything he can to bounce back.
"I feel great, lean, mean, ready to go and focused," Wilson recently told reporters at OTA's. "You always want to be in the best shape of your life. I'm ready for that. I feel better than ever."
The workout video posted by Wilson showed an array of unique exercises, with the quarterback captioning his video with: "All my life. #RestorationSzn." Lots of weights were used in the video, with a lot of ball handling as Wilson looks to fine tune his control out on the field.
Wilson is considered as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks of all-time, although he's missed out on the playoffs in each of his last two seasons. Wilson made the postseason in his first nine years at the Seattle Seahawks, but has witnessed a decline in form with back-to-back negative records for the first time.
Wilson has previously been praised by new Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, as his respect remains around the league. "Tremendous player, just a freak athlete," Garoppolo said of Wilson before the San Francisco 49ers played the Broncos last season.
"Makes plays that shouldn't be made. But he does it, he has that unique ability to extend the plays." Garoppolo's former team-mate Mike McGlinchey also has an immense amount of respect for Wilson, and the offensive tackle will now be on his team for the first team.
McGlinchey agreed to a five-year deal worth a reported $87.5million with over $50m guaranteed to join the Broncos in March. "I’m very familiar with Russ, playing against him twice a year for four years," McGlinchey said In an interview with Denver’s KUSA.
"He’s broken my heart numerous times. I know his game, I know what he’s capable of. He’s a Hall of Famer. And he’s capable of doing great things and winning a lot of games in this league like he did for a decade in Seattle.
"And I think coach Payton and the situation we’re going into is going to elevate his game even more. I know last season didn’t go the way Broncos Country wanted but I think things are going to be a lot different.
"I’m very excited to get to work with Russ and see what we can do together and how we can make a splash in the AFC."
