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Ciara reacts to husband Russell Wilson’s eye-opening Broncos benching

By
Jaclyn Hendricks
Published Dec. 28, 2023, 11:35 a.m. ET

Russell Wilson’s recent social media activity hasn’t gone unnoticed by wife Ciara.

The 38-year-old singer Wilson’s X post from Wednesday that read, “God’s got me. Looking forward to what’s next,” in the wake of the quarterback’s Broncos benching and anticipated release from Denver.

Wilson, 35, has been sidelined for the final two games of the regular season, Broncos head coach Sean Payton an💯noun𒅌ced Wednesday, with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham getting the nod for Weeks 17 and 18 against the Chargers and Raiders, respectively.

“I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that,” Payton said. “I can tell you, look, we’re desperately trying to win. Sure, in our game today, there are economics and all those other things, but the No. 1 push behind this — and it’s a decision I’m making — is to get a spark offensively.”

Russell Wilson was benched by the Broncos in December 2023.
Russell Wilson was benched by the Broncos in December 2023. AP
Russell Wilson with wife Ciara in July 2022.
Russell Wilson with wife Ciara in July 2022. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

The Broncos enter Sunday’s game against the Chargers at 7-8 with a slim chance of making the postseason.

Wilson’s benching comes days after Denver’s heartbreaking 26-23 loss to the Patriots at home on Christmas Eve.

The former Pro Bowl quarterback, who arrived in Denver in March 2022 following a blockbuster trade with the Seahawks, danced around a question surrounding his future postgame.

“I’m just worried about next week and playing great football,” Wilson told reporters Sunday. “I came here to win and win a championship for us and find a way to do that. Obviously, I love being here with these guys, these teammates. I’m excited to keep playing ball and playing hard for us.”

Though Wilson has improved this year following 🅺a disappointing season in 2022 — 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions — the Broncos are apparently ready to turn thꦓe page.

In late October, the Broncos allegedly reached out to Wilson’s camp and said the quarterback “would lose the starting job and be made inactive for the rest of the season if he did not defer the injury guarantee trigger date that he has for 2025,” Wednesday.

Russell Wilson, here with wife Ciara and their family in March 2022, when he was introduced by the Broncos.
Russell Wilson, here with wife Ciara and their family in March 2022, when he was introduced by the Broncos. AP

Wilson’s contract was not changed and he is expected to be cut in the offseason, per The Athletic.

He has a $37 million injury guarantee f𝐆or 2025 that kicওks in this coming March.

In the wake of the unfolding turmoil, Wilson — who recently welcomed his third child with Ciara, daughter Amora Princess — has received support fro🔯m his former Seahawks teammate, quarterback Geno Smith𒈔.

“Free 3,” Smith posted Wednesday on X.

Smith replaced Wilson in Seattle, where the former third-round pick played for the first 10 years of his career.