Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has said he has no regrets after publicly announcing his decision to refrain from sexual intercourse with his singer girlfriend Ciara Harris despite receiving harsh criticism from many in the secular media.
Earlier in July, Wilson, 26, took to the stage at The Rock Church in San Diego, California and revealed that God told him to lead Ciara in abstaining from sexual activity until marriage.
"I'll never forget: She was on tour, she was traveling, and I was looking at her in the mirror," Wilson said. "I was sitting in the dressing room, and she was getting ready to go, about 15 minutes before she went on stage. And she was sitting there, and God spoke to me and said, 'I need you to lead her.' And I was like, 'Really? Right now?'"
According to Wilson, God told him "to lead her." "So I told her right then and there, what would you do if we took all that extra stuff off the table and just did it Jesus' way?"
He continued, "I said to her, and she completely agreed: 'Could we love each other without that?' If you can really love somebody without that, then you can really love somebody."
While Wilson's commitment to purity has been mocked by many in the secular media, the NFL star says he doesn't regret sharing so much of his personal life with the world.
"Do you regret the comments that you made when you did that video interview talking about the fact that you and Ciara have chosen not to have sex," KIRO radio personality Rachel Belle asked Wilson at an Eat The Ball event. "That's something that was in the news nationally, internationally. Is that something you wish you never brought up?"
Although he appeared surprised the subject of discussion veered from his charity work to his personal life, Wilson reaffirmed his earlier proclamation.
"Well, it went from Eat the Ball to this, I don't know how that happened," Wilson told Belle. "But, no, I don't. I don't have any regret, no. I'm a blessed man, I'm very, very grateful."
He continued, "I'm very blessed, I'm grateful for all the opportunities I get to have. Obviously going to the ESPY's, but also being the host of the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Sports Awards," Wilson responded, after Belle asked if he ever dreamed about being famous. "That was one of the coolest things I've ever done. So I am very, very grateful."
During a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Ciara also made it very clear that no matter what, she and Wilson will not have a physical relationship until there is a ring on her finger.
"It's until the deal is sealed. Absolutely," the "I Bet" singer replied when asked if she and Wilson will remain pure until marriage.
Ciara emphasized that it is important to build a relationship on a foundation that doesn't include sexual intimacy outside of marriage.
"It was an organic thing for him and I think he was just being honest about where we are," she explained. "It's cool when you get to build a foundation with someone on how much you care for each other and really know each other's personalities, so it's really fun."
