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Russell Wilson turns 35

Not long ago, he was a fresh-faced youngster. Now, he’s a football graybeard.

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson turned 35 on Wednesday.

“I feel great, I feel young, I feel fast, I feel confident,” Wilson told reporters. “All of the above.”

Wilson has repeatedly said he hopes to play until he’s 45. Last year, that seemed to be a little far-fetched. This year, it’s far less unreasonable.

He reiterated on Wednesday his mentality of working every single day in order to cement his longevity, along with his “obsession” and “passion” for the game. He also said he’s “still got a little speed” at 35.

Coach Sean Payton also was asked about Wilson’s longevity.

“I used to get asked that all the time about Drew [Brees],” Payton said. “Then people would ask, ‘How long do you want to [coach]?’ . . . I really don’t look clearly past the season. It’s right here. All of the things that we are talking about are right here. You can ask him relative to how long he wants to play. I get it. Especially in the season, it’s much more of a narrow focus than a broad [focus]. The season ends, everyone puts their stuff away, you get into the spring, and you say, ‘How long do you want to do this for?’ It’s probably easier to answer that question [then], but right now, it’s getting this next game.”

Payton added that longevity for a quarterback typically arises from having “an extremely diligent workout routine” that changes over time.

“I don’t see age with players like Russ,” Payton said. “I don’t see 35. I wouldn’t have guessed how old he was. He takes care of his body; he works out extremely diligently and hard and I think that’s necessary when you’re playing at this level.”

He’s playing at a much higher level than he was a year ago. The question is whether that will continue as he approaches — and passes — his 40th birthday.

Regardless, he’s had a great career. From 10 seasons with the Seahawks to however many he stays in Denver to wherever he might go next, Wilson’s legacy still points to a bronze bust in the state where he was born, 35 years ago today.