RENTON, Wash. -- Russell Wilson has taken 31 sacks this season, tops in the NFL and six more than any other quarterback.
He has also run 52 times, second to only Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
But the Seattle Seahawks quarterback says he's feeling good physically, and one key to his recovery (as initially pointed out by last week's TV broadcast) has been Wilson's massage routine, which consists of five two-hour sessions each week.
"I think just taking care of your body is really important, especially when you’re playing in the NFL," Wilson said. "You’ve got to take care of yourself, stretch-up time, do everything that you can to be ready and feel your best every week. I’ve done that really since my rookie year, just continue to make sure I take care of my body and [am] ready to go for the game."
Given the hectic schedule of an NFL player, and specifically a quarterback, Wilson was asked how he finds 10 hours each week to dedicate to massages.
"It’s a big part of being a professional, being a professional athlete, is taking care of yourself," Wilson said. "It’s kind of a major part, so it’s not like finding time. It’s really just in the schedule. It’s one of those things that you have to make sure you get that done."
Over the years, Wilson has done a tremendous job of avoiding big hits, both in the pocket and when he's on the move. Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys will mark his 56th consecutive regular-season start. And one of the factors in maintaining that durability has been the massage routine.
