Denver Bronco quarterback Russell Wilson threw Rockies first pitch. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
New Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson received a rousing ovation as he threw the first pitch at the Colorado Rockies Opening Day.
Denver has a new quarterback and the entire city looks happy to celebrate that, including the Rockies.
On Friday, Colorado hosted the Dodgers to get their 2022 season started with Opening Day.
Russell Wilson was the obvious choice to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Watch: Russell Wilson throws out first pitch at Rockies Opening Day
Wilson’s appearance on Opening Day had a double meaning. He’s now the quarterback of the Broncos, so of course, he’d be welcome at the Rockies‘ home field.
In an alternate universe, Wilson might have taken the field at Coors Field as a member of the Rockies. They drafted him in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft and he featured in the minor leagues with the Tri-City Dust Devils in 2010 and Asheville Tourists in 2011. He opted to focus on the NFL Draft in 2012.
That’s where he ended up being picked by the Seahawks. He went on to win a Super Bowl in Seattle while being one of the most consistently excellent quarterbacks in the league over the past decade.
Now, the Broncos hope he can bring some of that MVP-caliber play to Mile High. They traded for Wilson and a fourth-round pick, shipping off two first-round selections, two second-round selection and a fifth-round selection along with QB Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant and defensive lineman Shelby Harris.
It was definitely a lot to give up but John Elway and company are banking on Wilson proving more than worth it by getting the team back into Super Bowl contention.
Wilson’s winning touch didn’t apply to Colorado on Friday though. The Dodgers bested the Rockies 5-3 after a five-running inning in the fourth.