Seahawks QB Russell Wilson: ‘I’ve Got Some Native American in Me’

Here’s a bit of trivia that the many Seattle Seahawks fans in Indian country ought to know: Russell Wilson, quarterback of the Super Bowl-bound team, has said on more than one occasion that he is part Native American. In May, Wilson visited Seattle Children’s Hospital, and posted the picture to Facebook with the caption “Selfie with my girl LaLa @seattlechildrens She’s got Native American in her like me!”

Amanda Blackhorse. Photo courtesy Malcolm Benally

Wilson did not specify a Tribe or Nation, although several Native fans expressed curiousity. The overall reaction, though, was one of simple Native pride, with a strong showing from the Tribes of the Pacific Northwest:

“God continue to Bless you n those you touch. Go Hawks<3 I’m Quileute, and nothing to do with twilight.. Lol”

“Atowamiish Russell…we the YAKAMA NATION love our SEATTLE SEAHAWKS”

“What’s up Native… Love what you do for people in need of inspiration like you… Native people here in Washington state sure love you Russ…especially here at the Lummi Nation.. Go Hawks”

“Shout out from Snoqualmie Tribe, Snoqualmie, WA! You’re a great player and a phenomenal human being !”

“Thank you, (wado), for taking time out for these amazing kids. Cheroke here. (Tsalagi)”

“Prayers she get better soon Bruh… Awesome Pic of ya two… I’m Inupiaq Eskimo & muh Baby is Quinault from Washington…”

“Native Pride Squaxin & Puyallup All Day. Go Hawks!!!”

“Love the selfie…also that is great knowing you are part Native American. I knew I liked you, I am NA from Montana the Blackfeet tribe. You sre great guy Russell.”

For any armchair genealogists who might have some insight—Wilson was born in Ohio.

This was not the first time Wilson has mentioned his Native ancestry. In this 2013 video, he said the same thing in a response to a fan’s question: