During his acceptance speech, Wilson dedicated the award to his late father Harris Wilson III. Wilson explained that the “Why Not You” slogan came from his father who used those words to motivate a young Russell.
“Dad, I know one of your favorite athletes of all-time was Walter Payton,” said Wilson. “The player he was, but more importantly the man he was, the leader, the giver, the person. Man, Dad, I wish you were here for this award. This moment. Dad, I can remember you telling me in the car one day, ‘Son, love changes things.’ Well, dad, you were right. I wish you were here to tell the world that in the toughest of times. 2020 was the most difficult time in history.
“To America, to the world, love is patient, love is kind, love changes things. The great Walter Payton once said, ‘We are stronger together than we are alone.’ Dad, I think Walter was right. To the young boy or girl who has a dream, who wants to make a difference. Remember this one thing, love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always persevere. Love changes things. Thank you.”
Winners of the prestigious humanitarian award in the past have included LaDainian Tomlinson, Warrick Dunn, and Eli and Peyton Manning.
