Russell Wilson Retires from NFL After 14 Seasons

Russell Wilson has announced his retirement from the NFL after a 14-season career, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler and the 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, revealed his decision to retire in a video shared on social media.

Drafted in the third round by the Seahawks in the 2012 NFL Draft, Wilson became a prominent quarterback in the league. He amassed 46,966 passing yards and totaled 353 touchdowns. During his career, he also played with the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants.

Wilson’s retirement announcement follows reports of him signing a deal to become a CBS Sports NFL analyst. There was initial uncertainty about whether he intended to retire or take a break, but his lengthy video confirmed his move to CBS Sports.

I remember the moment I fell in love with football. Waking up before sunrise with my dad and brother. Deep post routes and ‘moon balls.’ That’s where it all began. But my love for football became more than passion. It was an obsession.

Wilson flourished in the NFL after starting his college career at NC State and prospering at Wisconsin. In his first NFL season, he led the Seahawks to an 11-5 record, quickly making them a formidable team in the NFC.

At MetLife Stadium, alongside the “Legion of Boom” defense, Wilson and the Seahawks triumphed over the Denver Broncos 43-8 to claim the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLVIII. This success came in only his second season.

Although Wilson reached another Super Bowl, he lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.

In his decade-long tenure with Seattle, Wilson threw for 37,059 yards with 292 touchdowns, achieving an overall record of 104-53-1.

To Coach Carroll, thanks for taking a chance on the young, 5’11” black kid from Richmond, Virginia who was told he was too small to make it in the NFL. We knew what winning was like.

Following a trade to Denver in 2022, Wilson endured challenges and public disagreements with coach Sean Payton. He recorded a 4-11 record in his first season with the Broncos and went 7-8 in 2023, prompting the team to move on despite his significant contract.

Wilson then secured a veteran minimum contract with the Steelers in 2024. He achieved a 6-5 record in his starts and earned his 10th Pro Bowl selection. Although the Steelers made the playoffs, they exited in the Wild Card Round.

The Giants signed him before the 2025 season, intending for him to mentor Jaxson Dart, a rookie quarterback. Dart replaced Wilson after just three starts, but Wilson embraced his mentorship role.

Throughout his career, Wilson appreciated working with every coach, teammate, and fan of each team he played for.

To every teammate I’ve shared the locker room with, thank you for the sacrifices, the brotherhood, the memories. None of this is possible without you.

To every fan who supported through the highs and lows, your belief, energy, and passion meant more than you’ll ever know.