Russell Wilson has been with Seattle Seahawks for a decade and plans to continue playing in the NFL for 12 more years. Recently, the quarterback appeared on Jimmy Kimmel livewith his wife, R&B star Ciara. He spoke about how he puts time, energy and money into his career longevity.
He said, "It's not a process. It's a lifestyle." "When you want to play as much as I am trying to, I try to play 'til 45." It's important to surround yourself with people who can help you develop your mentality, focus, and everything else. It's been an incredible journey so far."
In an interview with Bill Simmons, Wilson said that he spends up to $1 million annually on keeping himself in peak physical condition. He retains a whole "performance group" which includes a personal trainer, mobility coach and massage therapist as well as two private chefs.
He uses nutrition to complement his training. Wilson eats up to nine meals per day and is currently on the 10th day of eating no dairy, gluten, or red meat. However, he believes that the financial investment helps him overcome the psychological obstacles of being a professional athlete.
He said that it's not only the recovery aspect of it--that's huge. But for me, the most important thing, you know, aside from the body and all the stuff, is the mental game." The mental game is crucial, you know.