The “Why Not You Foundaton” founded by Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, singer Ciara, is under criticism. “USA Today Sports” accuses the charity of using only a fraction of its proceeds for charitable purposes.

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has a good reputation off the field. The 34-year-old received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2020, which is given for outstanding social commitment and good performance on the field.

Pictures of the quarterback in children’s hospitals regularly circulate on social media and in 2014 he founded the “Why Not You Foundation” together with his wife Ciara.

The charity is dedicated to “education and health for children and against poverty”. In the past nine years, the organisation has invested 13 million dollars in various projects.

However, the “Why Not You Foundation” is now facing criticism: according to “USA Today Sports”, a large part of the donations to the organisation has gone towards expensive salaries for employees. This is the result of six months of research by the daily newspaper.

Russell Wilson’s Foundation under criticism: only a quarter of income donated?

For example, three high-ranking staff members are said to have earned a combined total of just under US$1.9 million for their work in 2021. Mark Rodgers, lawyer and counsel for Russell Wilson, told USA Today Sports: “I think the staff were paid appropriately based on their talent, knowledge and experience and those salaries are justified.”

Meanwhile, barely 40 per cent of revenue has arguably gone to charity since the charity’s inception. In 2020, he said, only 21.3 cents of every euro raised was spent on charity.