Redskin

How Wisconsin sixth-year senior Collin Wilder found his voice and became one of the Badgers’ key leaders


MADISON, Wis. — Collin Wilder stood inside a room in the bowels of Soldier Field last month, his hands on his hips, as he articulately and passionately laid bare the thoughts and feelings spilling out of him. In the minutes after Wisconsin had lost to Notre Dame, 41-13, the Badgers’ sixth-year safety offered a rare glimpse into the raw emotion of a player who was willing to publicly demand that everyone in the program be held accountable for the result.

Wilder answered every difficult question from reporters and made no excuses. He said the performance did not represent the Wisconsin way, called it embarrassing for those who set the stage before this group, said he apologized to former players who attended the game and vowed to do everything in his ability as a leader to keep the team from pointing fingers and fracturing.

It was a powerful moment years in the making that served as a prime example of how Wilder, following a circuitous journey, had found his voice in the program. His words resonated not simply because of what he said but because of how he carries himself around teammates and coaches. He is someone who leads with love and says he is willing to do whatever it takes to sustain Wisconsin’s tradition of excellence, as a mentor, as a blue-collar worker and even as a team spokesman.

“It’s been awesome,” Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said. “It’s natural. It’s genuine from him. Any leader, they have to have the respect of the room. Guys respect him. And I think they respect him for a number of reasons. He’s truly all in for this group and takes the time and gets to know individuals.

“It’s not for show. He has always brought great energy, loves playing the game and it’s been great having him.





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