2020 Pro Bowl: Russell Wilson steps aside, gives Drew Brees the starting nod

Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson stepped aside to give New Orleans Saints veteran Drew Brees the start for the NFC in the 2020 Pro Bowl.

The 2020 Pro Bowl started with an impressive hat tip from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson to his backup on the NFC team, Drew Brees. Wilson chose to let Brees start in his place, showing deference to the respected veteran who he’s said opened doors for him as a shorter passer who may have not gotten such opportunities if Brees hadn’t been so successful.

And it didn’t take Brees long to get to work. He gave the NFC an early lead, following up a 59-yard pass to Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay with a touchdown strike to his favorite target, Michael Thomas. With two drives behind him, Brees trotted off the field having gone 4-for-7 to gain 95 passing yards. Not bad for an older quarterback.

Wilson’s motivation in giving Brees the start is curious. It’s likely he was just paying respects to someone whose career meant a lot to him personally, doing what he could to salute his role model. Hopefully this doesn’t suggest anything about Brees’ future as a player who may or may not return to play another year, or potentially switch careers and get into broadcasting. It’s selfish, but we aren’t ready to accept this Pro Bowl exhibition appearance as his last game in a black and gold helmet.

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