RENTON — Russell Wilson’s offseason included events on both coasts wedged between preparations for trying to defend a Super Bowl title.
It’s been hectic, but Wilson said Monday after the Seattle Seahawks began week two of organized team activities that it hasn’t been difficult balancing offseason commitments with the need to get ready for the upcoming season.
“I stay pretty organized. I stay focused on what I have to focus on and getting ready for football,” Wilson said. “It’s been an exceptional offseason for me so far in terms of getting prepared for that. My body feels great, my arm feels strong. My knowledge of the game has grown so much more, exponentially more I believe. From year one to year two and then year two to year three, and playing in big games like the Super Bowl that always helps.”
Wilson spoke with local media Monday for the first time since Seattle’s Super Bowl victory over Denver. His offseason has included new endorsements, awards and a trip to the White House, where the team was honored.
Wilson had shaved his head just before the White House trip after sporting an odd-looking Mohawk when he appeared at a benefit for diabetes awareness the weekend before. His hair is just now beginning to grow back in.
“I couldn’t see President Obama and the first lady like that,” Wilson said of the Mohawk.
Aside from his changing hairstyles, Wilson is approaching Seattle’s offseason program with a focus on fundamentals and building toward the start of training camp next month. Because Wilson is apt to scramble when a play breaks down and throw outside of the pocket, his intent in these no-contact sessions is to make sure he’s remaining balanced on each throw.
Wilson noted that last week he was getting the majority of the reps during practice. They were more balanced on Monday with Tarvaris Jackson and Terrelle Pryor getting work.
“Just making sure I’m always balanced with every throw that I make. That’s something I’ll always focus on every year, my footwork and being on time with the football,” Wilson said.
While the OTAs are the first time offenses and defenses can go against each other in 11-on-11s, Wilson took a group of wide receivers, running backs and tight ends to Southern California in the early spring for workouts for a second straight year. That experience, combined with the other phases of the offseason program, has given Seattle’s quarterback time around his teammates to gauge whether there has been any slide since winning the Super Bowl.
Thus far, Wilson hasn’t seen any.
“I wasn’t concerned at all. The guys we have are so competitive, so eager to play,” Wilson said. “I was just excited to get back out here with these guys. The energy that we have at practice, the attention to detail that we have every time is as good as it gets. We’re not going to slack off in that way.”
