Russell Wilson's $140 Million Deal Is A Reminder To Stop Sleeping On "Good" Guys
Anyone who says nice guys finish last probably hasn't met Russell Wilson, aka the highest paid football player in the NFL. If you've ever truly been in love, you know that it's never about the money. But boy, does it put an extra layer of icing on the cake knowing that you can afford to ball out with the one that you love.
Husband of R&B superstar Ciara, and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson recently signed a four-year extension contract that is valued at $140 million and we ain't mad at that. The couple recently announced Russell's multimillion dollar deal in a late-night Instagram post that confirmed news that Seahawks fans had been anticipating since last season. Cuddled up and giving us serious rich auntie and uncle vibes, the Wilsons had this to say:
"Hey Seattle, we got a deal. Go Hawks! But, I'm gonna see y'all in the morning."
The sleep-deprived couple said that they could finally get a good night's sleep after enduring the grueling signing process and coming out on top. Ciara told Andy Cohen that it was a nerve-wrecking process and they didn't really know what to expect. She explained:
"It was a process. It really went down to the wire. You just don't know what's going to happen until that very last second."
"I'm just so proud of him. He's incredible…it's a blessing."
Nevertheless, as always, CiCi had her man's back until they got a final decision. The "Thinking 'Bout You" singer publicly exclaimed her overwhelming pride for her baller beau on Instagram and told fans she can't wait to see what the future holds, and according to her most recent interview, that may even mean baby #3... Just not today.
"I do look forward to the third one, but we got a little time right now. I'm enjoying dancing with my flat belly right now."
Now, if you're into the media and have been following the Future-Ciara-Russell Wilson love triangle, you know that Russell's good boy turned better archetype has been criticized in the past. Living in this strange twilight zone of a culture in which we value drama and chaos more than we do responsibility and stability, it's understandable that standing next to the lean-sipping bad boy that is Future, Russell Wilson can seem a bit less… edgy. Lame, I would even say. I said what I said.
What kind of guy would raise another man's son as his own? Who on earth would sacrafice their own sexual satisfaction to honor their union with their soon-to-be spouse? Imagine a man who loves you so much that he'll talk to God about you, now that's a blessing.
Ciara is a true reminder that sleeping on good guys may cause you to miss out on the man of your dreams.
Don't get me wrong, there is a clear and obvious difference between self-proclaimed nice guys, and good men, and it's important to have enough discernment to know the difference. Sometimes, the proof is in the prayer. In a recent episode of "Watch What Happens Now," Ciara finally spilled the details on her conversation with God that ultimately led her to Russell Wilson:
"I have to say I definitely prayed a prayer, and I prayed many times. All I have to say is, when you're going through the transition of love and trying to figure out life, you gotta be specific, and you have to reflect on the journey prior to kind of see why are you at that point where things are not working out the way you envisioned them."
Ciara mentioned that although the law of attraction is real and you have to be specific about what you want, you also have to learn yourself well enough to know what you don't want… But seriously, who doesn't want a millionaire bae who fixes your dress on the red carpet and looks at you the way Russell does Ciara?
Keep praying, your Russell is out there. And take it from Ciara, if you make the decision to stop sleeping on good guys, it just might pay off (word to Shellie R. Warren). So Cici, when's the shopping spree, sis?!
Featured image by Instagram/Ciara.
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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It was early spring 2023 when Joey Bada$ pulled up for a chat with us on love and relationships courtesy of our Dana Blair-hosted "xoMan Live." There, he clarified that though we felt the sizzling chemistry between him and singer/actress Serayah radiating off our screens in the music video for his single, "Show Me" and rumors were swirling of a possible romance, that they were just friends.
"We got a pretty cool friendship, and I think she’s gorgeous. I think she’s talented," Joey shared with xoNecole at the time. He would later dead the rumors even further by announcing his relationship status, "I'm single." But he'd leave the door open for the possibility of a thing, adding, "Things could happen."
Joey Badass Clarifies His Relationship With SerayahYouTube
Since then, things have indeed been happening between Joey and Serayah, who was previously romantically linked to Jacob Latimore, as their "just friends" status has seemingly blossomed into something more. The love they imitated in the name of art proves to be much more beautiful in real life. "I’m staying ready, so I don’t gotta get ready if that makes sense, you know what I mean," he shared in our interview about feeling "ready" for a relationship. "I don’t want to say that it’s anything I’m looking for, like I understand the way the law of attraction works."
These days, the look of love is undeniable and we are here for this couple showcasing their deep affinity for one another out loud whenever possible. Keep reading for a brief timeline of the love between Serayah McNeill and Joey Bada$$.
June 2023: Joey Bada$$ Flies Serayah Out for an Epic Birthday Trip
In what is regarded as their first hard launch as a couple, Joey took to Instagram to share a compilation of short videos they took while boo'd up on a birthday trip for Serayah's 28th in a tropical paradise. After previous denials of a romance, the Raising Kanan actor confirmed their relationship by captioning the post, "happy birthday my love."
A little over a week later, Serayah dropped her own version of a hard launch in a series of photos on IG showcasing some BTS moments of her and Joey.
August 2023: Joey Bada$$ Shouts Out Serayah For National GF Day
We stan! Joey took National Girlfriend Day as an opportunity to show love for Serayah, sharing on Instagram Story a series of never-before-seen photos and videos of some of the couple doing and enjoying life together.
January 2024: Serayah and Joey Celebrate His Birthday In St. Lucia
Birthday trips seem to be a welcomed tradition for this couple as they spent Joey's 29th birthday in paradise where they effectively brought the sand to the beach. "Celebrating you is something I'll always love to do," Serayah captioned her Instagram post to Joey and their tropical escape. Joey left in a comment of appreciation, "Aquemini," it read in a nod to the Outkast album, as well as the couple's sun signs.
September 2023: Joey and Serayah Pop Out at New York Fashion Week
Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images
From New York Fashion Week to international trips to Tokyo for Joey's shows, September 2023 proved to be a booked and busy month for the Flutter vocalist and the "Passports & Suitcases" artist. Joey shared a carousel of highlights of street-style moments in their matching outfits for the fashion event with the caption, "NYFW FESTIVITIES."
Serayah posted some Tokyo memories to her IG that didn't skimp on the Black love, writing, "tokyo was a dream."
February 2024: Serayah and Joey Take Fashion Week
This year, Serayah gave a BTS look at her time during February's New York Fashion Week, and of course, boyfriend Joey Bada$$ was there to show love and support.
February 2024: Serayah Teases The Arrival of New Heat with Throwbacks Of Her and Joey
What better way to announce the debut of your latest EP of R&B-meets-rap influences than to drop archives of your own relationship mirroring those same influences? ARCHIVES is out now.
March 2024: Serayah McNeill and Joey Bada$$ Attend ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Serayah was a vision in gold as she graced the red carpet of the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony arm in arm with rapper beau Joey Bada$$. In February, Joey professed his forever love for Black women in "A Love Letter To Black Women," in partnership with Bumble. The "Fallin'" rapper began in the video, "I don’t think I tell you this enough, but you are so sacred to me."
"Just know you got my heart. The only one I’m coming home to. See, I been in my heart and mind, trying to find the right woman and they say that love is blind, but you looking right to me," later adding, "Please never forget how truly blessed you are. I’ll cater to your visions and be there while I’m growing your purpose. Real love is our language. And a Black woman is a blessing in my life."
March 2024: Joey Bada$$ Responds to Viral Video of Him and Serayah Arguing
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
In March, a viral video of the couple arguing and Serayah crying made rounds all over the internet and sparked speculation that Joey and Serayah had broken up. To squash the rumors, Joey assured inquiring minds that everything is good over here by posting a series of photos of the two of them loved up and enjoying a night out on the town, captioning it, "People all in our business they don’t even know the facts, they don’t see the shit we witness only what the cameras catch."
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Featured image by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE