The Pittsburgh Steelers were hosting the New York Jets, marking Russell Wilson’s debut start for the team. But a poorly placed pass behind receiver Calvin Austin early in the second quarter stirred up dissatisfaction in the Sunday Night Football crowd, and another behind-the-line miss led Acrisure Stadium to erupt with discontent once more.
Yet, despite this chilly reception, the seasoned quarterback remained unshaken. Years of experience as a 13-year veteran and nine-time Pro Bowler had honed Wilson’s resilience. Standing 5-foot-10 5/8, he knew from early on that to excel, he’d need a mental advantage to compensate for any physical limitations. He embraced a mindset fortified through his work with mental coach Trevor Moawad, a close friend who passed in 2021, who taught Wilson the value of “getting to neutral.”
In a raw and emotional display, Russell Wilson recently found himself in tears as he reflected on the profound impact of his late mentor, Trevor Moawad. Known for his resilience and his polished presence both on and off the field, Wilson rarely shows vulnerability, but the loss of Moawad—a mental conditioning coach and close friend—proved to be too powerful a reminder of the deep bond they shared and the lessons that forever changed Wilson’s life.
Trevor Moawad wasn’t just a mentor to Wilson; he was a vital influence on his mindset and performance as an NFL quarterback. Having met in 2012 when Wilson was preparing for the NFL scouting combine, Moawad quickly recognized Wilson’s commitment to improvement, especially in the mental game, which Moawad believed could make the difference between a good player and a great one. The two formed an unbreakable bond, with Moawad coaching Wilson on the importance of mental conditioning to the point where it became a cornerstone of his career. Wilson has openly credited Moawad for helping him develop a psychological resilience that allowed him to excel in the face of setbacks, criticism, and challenges both on and off the field.
This friendship and mentorship only deepened over the years. Moawad’s philosophy was simple yet profound: he encouraged Wilson to adopt a mindset he called “neutral thinking.” This approach helped Wilson look at every situation without a bias of negativity or positivity, allowing him to focus purely on actions and outcomes that could bring success. Moawad would say, “Accept the past as real, but don’t let it be predictive of the future.” It was a mantra that Wilson learned to live by, especially as he navigated difficult seasons, injuries, and public scrutiny.
Despite being a star quarterback, Wilson never allowed fame to eclipse his commitment to personal growth, and he attributes much of this to Moawad’s influence. Moawad helped Wilson refine his goals, break down complex challenges, and focus on the present moment. For Wilson, Moawad wasn’t just a coach; he was a best friend, someone he could turn to in times of hardship. Moawad’s passing in 2021 due to cancer devastated Wilson, but the quarterback pushed through, constantly reminding himself of Moawad’s teachings to “stay the course” and remain resilient, even as grief threatened to overwhelm him.
In a recent interview, Wilson’s tears flowed freely as he opened up about how much Moawad’s death had affected him. Despite his typical calm demeanor, Wilson struggled to find words to express how deeply he missed his friend and how influential Moawad’s guidance continues to be in his life. Recalling their countless conversations and Moawad’s unwavering support, Wilson shared that he still leans on the wisdom Moawad imparted. “He taught me that it’s OK to feel pain, that you can acknowledge it without letting it consume you,” Wilson said, voice breaking. “I wouldn’t be the person or the player I am today without Trevor.”
Moawad’s influence is evident in Wilson’s approach to every game. Even under intense pressure and criticism, Wilson practices what Moawad taught him, striving to keep a “neutral” mindset. This approach has been pivotal in Wilson’s career, allowing him to compartmentalize the highs and lows and focus solely on the immediate task. During moments when the noise gets loud, when boos reverberate through the stadium, or when media scrutiny sharpens, Wilson finds strength in Moawad’s teachings, choosing to center himself rather than succumb to negativity.
The recent game, one of Wilson’s first since overcoming a calf injury, served as a reminder of Moawad’s enduring impact. Wilson found himself leaning into “neutral thinking” once again, navigating the game with calm focus, determined to honor the lessons Moawad had taught him. The emotional victory—a testament to Wilson’s resilience—was a fitting tribute to his late mentor.
For Wilson, the grief may never fully subside, but Moawad’s presence is a lasting one, a constant whisper in moments of doubt, guiding him back to center. And though tears may still flow when he thinks of his friend, Wilson knows that Moawad’s legacy lives on within him. Every time he takes the field, he carries a part of his mentor, staying the course with the same mental strength Moawad instilled in him, forever honoring the friend who shaped his life so profoundly.
