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Ciara calls Russell Wilson her ‘greatest inspiration’ as Broncos release looms

Ciara continues to be inspired by husband Russell Wilson.

The singer praised Wilson on Monday, the same day the Broncos announced they were cutting the 35-year-old quarterback after two seasons, posting a heartfelt message in the comments of Wilson’s farewell letter to Denver.

“One of One! My greatest inspiration! I love you,” Ciara wrote on Instagram, adding the hashtags “3,” a reference to Wilson’s jersey number, and “Grateful.”

Russell Wilson and Ciara with their kids at Broncos training camp. Instagram

The Broncos informed Wilson that they would release him after the start of the new league year on March 13.

“On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career,” general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton said in a joint statement Monday.

“As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”

Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos warms up prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field At Mile High on December 31, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images

After pushing his way out of Seattle, Wilson was traded to the Broncos in March 2022 and signed a five-year, $242.6 million contract extension with the team before the season began.

Denver sent five draft picks — including two first-rounders — and three players to the Seahawks for the Super Bowl champion’s services.

The Broncos never reached the playoffs under Wilson, who led the team to a 5-12 record in his first year.

Though Denver improved to 8-9 this year, the team’s first with Payton, Wilson was benched for the final two games of the season.

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson speaks during a news conference after a game on Dec. 24, 2023. AP

The Wilson-Broncos trade will go down as one of the NFL’s worst, as Denver will take on $85 million in total dead cap money over the next two years — the largest dead cap hit in league history.

Wilson thanked Broncos fans in his statement, along with his teammates for making him feel like family during his time in the Mile High City.

“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next. #3,” Wilson closed out the message.

Paton and Payton were noticeably absent from the statement.

Russell Wilson and Ciara arrive at the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

In two seasons with the Broncos, Wilson totaled 6,594 passing yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions across 30 games played and compiled an 11-19 record.

Last month, Wilson and Ciara attended the SAG Awards, which marked Ciara’s first red carpet appearance since welcoming their third child together, daughter Amora Princess Wilson, on Dec. 11.

Ciara, 38, and Wilson are parents to big sister Sienna Princess, 6, and 3-year-old son Win Harrison.

The Super Bowl champ is the stepfather to the singer’s oldest son, Future Zahir, 9, whom she shares with her ex, rapper Future.