Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson: 'My faith is everything'

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson said at the Super Bowl media day on Tuesday that though he loves playing football, his "faith is everything".

Wilson, 26, said that while he wanted to be recognised as a successful football player – a "winner" – he also wanted to leave a legacy as a Christian man who serves others.

"In terms of my legacy off the field, I want to be a Christian man that helps lead and helps change lives and helps serve other people. It's not about me, you know," Wilson said. "It's not about me and it's about just helping other people. So that's kind of where I keep my focus."

During the interviews he included a shout out to children's hospital in Seattle he visits every Tuesday. "To all the kids out there, I'm just praying for you guys, and praying for miracles" he said.

Responding to a question from a 12-year-old about how to be a great quarterback, he said the advice he got from his dad was: "Have a great purpose in life, have great perspective and always persevere."

Wilson said he recognises his sporting career will end one day, and it's not his top priority, even though he loves it – his faith comes first.

"In terms of my faith, my faith is everything: God comes first, family and friends come second, and football comes third," he said. "I think when you keep it in that order, great things happen to you. You don't stress out about much."

Speaking of the importance of integrity, he said: "We all make mistakes or whatever, but we're football players. We're able to use our gifts. For me, I'm able to use my gift to glorify God. That's what it's about for me."

Wilson is known for being open about his faith and often tweets Bible verses and his thanks to God. Earlier this week he tweeted:

The Seattle Seahawks will play against the New England Patriots in SuperBowl XLIX on Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona.