Russell Wilson Among First to Arrive for Broncos’ Offseason Workouts

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson did not have the 2022 NFL season that he would have liked.

However, when he arrived at Broncos headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Tuesday to begin the first phase of Denver’s offseason program, Wilson looked eager to start the preparation for his 12th season and exuded the same energy he did when stating his iconic “Let’s Ride” declaration to fans.

Mike Klis of KUSA-TV in Denver reports that Wilson made it to the Broncos facility before sunrise, wearing an “old-school, throwback Broncos’ T-shirt and shorts.“ The first phase of Denver’s offseason training consists of strength and conditioning activities as well as physicals for players, coaches, doctors and trainers.

Per Kils, Wilson was among the first group of players—along with the team’s medical staff—to enter Denver’s weight room around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. The nine-time Pro Bowler seeks to bounce back in ’23 under new Broncos coach Sean Payton.

Wilson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in March to address an issue he has dealt with for years, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. In the ’22 campaign, the Broncos recorded 29 touchdowns over 17 games and finished 5-12. Wilson, meantime, threw for 3,524 passing yards and 16 touchdown passes to 11 interceptions. Wilson’s lack of production helped lead to the firing of Nathaniel Hackett as the Broncos head coach. 

Ahead of the ’23 season, Denver spent more than any other NFL team on its free agent class, signing 13 players for a combined $241.25 million in total potential contract value in March, per Klis.