The Russell Wilson catchphrase all started with a fan tweet, which evolved into a meme. The Seattle quarterback liked it so much, he trademarked “Let Russ Cook.”
According to a listing on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website, Wilson trademarked the phrase to brand a line of utensils, cookware and cooking attire. The application was filed in early October.
Mark Rodgers, Wilson’s agent, told ESPN that the money made from the trademark would go to Wilson’s foundation, “Why Not You.”
Wilson, who turns 32 later this month, is one of the brightest stars of the NFL. In past seasons, the Seattle offense had been relying heavily on a strong running game, with coach Pete Carroll wanting Wilson to be more of a game manager.
Russell Wilson’s Phrase Is All About Utilizing the QB’s Skills
But last season, fans started urging the Seahawks to better utilize Wilson’s play-making skills. Zach Whitman, a long-time Seahawks fan, tweeted that Seattle should build Wilson a domed stadium. He also said “Let Russ Cook.” And a meme was born. Now. it’s a trademark.
According to the Seattle Times, the Seahawks are passing on 61 percent of their plays. That’s up from 55.34 from last season.
Wilson has thrown 26 touchdown passes. He’s on pace to break Peyton Manning’s NFL record of 55 touchdown passes. Manning set the record in 2013. Wilson also is 12 touchdown passes away from breaking his personal record, which he accomplished in 2018.
Two months ago, Wilson acknowledged that he was aware of the slogan. He also said the creative officer of his company knew about it as well.
“Listen, at the end of the day, I just want to win,” Wilson said. “Whatever it takes to win. I think I can definitely help us win, that’s for sure, but it’s not just me, it’s so many great players.
“We can do it in so many different ways, and to be explosive offensively running the ball, throwing the ball, throwing it deep, throwing it midrange, throwing it short, doing all the different things. We want to be versatile, and we can definitely do all those things. So for us, I think that’s really part of the recipe, I guess you could say of doing it all.”
