The critics are already scoffing at the newly stated goals of former Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson, and we find ourselves wanting to come to the defense of the quarterback …

Only because we actually have memories.

“For me, it’s about winning,” Wilson said on the podcast hosted by former NFL player Brandon Marshall. “Over the next five years, I want to win two (Super Bowls).”

Don’t misunderstand our read on this; we aren’t exactly predicting that’s going to happen for Russ, 35, the faded standout who the Denver Broncos are expected to release this offseason.

But out of respect for what Wilson accomplished in Seattle, where he spent a decade helping the Seahawks to two Super Bowl finals and one Lombardi Trophy … we must say …

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Why wouldn’t he aspire to that? Denver gave up the farm in trade and in salary two years ago expecting just that. In 2022, it did not work as he set career-lows in passing touchdowns (16) and quarterback rating (84.4). In 2022, he was better, with 26 touchdowns and a 98.0 quarterback rating while all along knowing new Broncos czar Sean Payton wasn’t an ally.

And now? He’s a pedigreed player. He’s been to the mountaintop. Why wouldn’t he, as he said, “want to feel the chill of that trophy again”?

Wilson said the polite thing (he always does) about the Broncos, noting, “I love the city and everything else, but you also want to be in a place that wants you, too. “The thing I want to do is win. That’s all I care about.”

Related: Should Seahawks Trade Geno for Justin Fields?

And so, soon, off he goes. To the Steelers or the Falcons or someplace he might get one more shot at achieving one more goal. Well, two more, we suppose.

Wilson said because of what he’s endured in Denver, “I’ve got more fire now than ever, honestly.” And Seattle fans – because you’ve seen it first-hand – have every reason to respect that view.