FOXBORO -- Whether or not the Patriots are taking Russell Wilson's height into consideration as they prepare for Sunday's game against Seattle, the Seahawks quarterback believes his 5-foot-11 stature is a "non-factor" in his preparation.
"I'm 5-11, but I believe that my height doesn't define my skill set," said Wilson in a conference call on Wednesday. "And I have all the confidence in the world in my ability. I've worked at my craft. I've worked on having a high, quick release and throwing the ball on time, with rhythm, and just delivering an accurate football. And I think that's what it really comes down to."
Wilson said he's looked up to other shorter quarterbacks around the NFL before his rookie season this year. But not just because of their height. He pointed out the 6-foot Drew Brees for his leadership qualities.
"You've got to have great leadership, first of all," said Wilson. "You've got to have great attention to detail. And your competitive nature has to be relentless. And I think that's something that I try to bring to the table every single Sunday."
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is happy with what he sees from Wilson under center in his rookie season, regardless of height.
"There's so much scrutiny on the quarterback, to be a young guy and deal with it, he just doesn't seem like he's a young guy dealing with it," said Carroll. "He's well beyond his years. And for whatever reason, he's just got this great character about him that gives him great resolve. So that adds with a guy that's really quick, that has a great arm, that's really accurate, that has great savvy for the game. So we're watching him grow right before our eyes."