Harrison Wilson, the father of N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson, passed away last night after a long illness, the university's sports information office said this morning.
A lawyer, Harrison Wilson suffered a stroke in 2008. In college, he was a football and baseball standout for Dartmouth University and earned a free-agent tryout at wide receiver with the San Diego Chargers.
In a GoPack.com feature on Russell Wilson posted on Nov. 20, 2008 after the Wolfpack's 21-17 win over Wake Forest, Wilson talked about seeing his dad, after the stroke, make the trip from Richmond, Va., for the game.
"... My dad is a strong guy. I learned a lot about perseverance from him," Wilson said two years ago. "When he was sick, he would still talk to me about to keep playing and to keep pushing."
No other details were immediately available.
Assistant sports editor Lorenzo Perez has bounced back-and-forth between The News & Observer's news and sports department several times since joining the newspaper in 1999. His latest assignment has him working with The N&O's ACC writers and online news. E-mail 
Comments
RW
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 22:23 — unc098Your father raised a fine son. I am sure he took great satisfaction in seeing you become the person that you are. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With Sympathy
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 16:01 — heelsno1When a parent passes away, this is a loss that you feel forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the Wilson family. Russell is one class act and a gifted competitor.
Thoughts
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 12:36 — YAR8packStrength and faith be with the Wilson family at this time. This is a time for family and nothing else. All that other stuff can wait.
My thoughts and prayers go
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 12:31 — aideanMy thoughts and prayers go out to Russell, his family and all of those who were friends of Harrison.
Sad news
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 12:27 — JPDOhioDeepest sympathy to Russell and his family. Based on Russell's comments, it sounds like Harrison Wilson was one hell of a Dad. He certainly raised a fine young man.
had just heard
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 12:09 — gvillegatrDG (yesterday) say his father was sick, but not to the point of death. We simply never know. My sympathy's to RW and his family.
I wonder if this chnages anything about his immediate future?
Thoughts and Prayers
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 11:26 — Heels20Thoughts and prayers to the Wilson family. With as much discussion that has gone on the past few days of Russell Wilson's future, this is a time for Russell to leave the outside matters aside and spend time with his family.
Sorry to hear
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 11:19 — HeelsforeverWhat a week this kid has had. To say highs and lows does not adequately cover it. I wish he and his family comfort during this time of loss.