It's been a tough week for Russell Wilson.
Days after the Steelers were eliminated from Super Bowl contention with a crushing wild-card loss, the Steelers and his wife, Ciara, announced on Thursday that their Great Dane, Prince, had passed away.
Prince, a two-time cancer survivor, was 12 years old.
Wilson and Ciara commemorated the life of their beloved four-legged friend in an Instagram post.
“Prince, 12 years ago, you came into my life. I gave you your rookie year, and you have so many memories, hugs and hugs from our four children and us. He blessed our family with a kiss.” Wilson wrote in the caption of his post.
“You will be one of us forever. Today was a tough day, but you beat cancer twice and lived 12 years when most people live 6 years. Heaven is good. I got something! I love you, Prince of Eternal Peace.”
Ciara echoed these sentiments in a post on her own account.
“Forever with us. Forever in our hearts. Forever, thank you for the wonderful memories you gave us. We will miss you so much, And we love you always, Prince!” Written by singer, songwriter, and dancer.
Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, became a free agent after the Steelers lost to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Round.
The veteran signal-caller has vocally expressed his gratitude for the second chance he was given in Pittsburgh after the debacle he endured in Denver.
And while he hopes to be in the black and gold this time next season, he also understands that his future with the team will largely depend on the powers that be.
“Pittsburgh Steelers organization, it's a blessing to be here,” Wilson said after the wild-card loss, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“We have a special organization with special talent, special players and a special fan base. It's been a true blessing in my life. Personally, I think it was one of my best years as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Of course I hope you're here. [next year]”
