What Happened to Russell Carrington Wilson?
Russell Wilson, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and ten-time Pro Bowler, concluded his 14-season NFL playing career in 2025 after stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants. Following a challenging period with the Broncos and short tenures with the Steelers and Giants, Wilson transitioned to a career in sports broadcasting, joining CBS Sports as an analyst in June 2026.
Quick Answer
Russell Wilson, after a decorated NFL career primarily with the Seattle Seahawks, was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022, where he struggled for two seasons before being released in March 2024. He then played one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, earning a Pro Bowl selection, and a brief, unsuccessful stint as the New York Giants' starter in 2025. As of June 1, 2026, Wilson has paused his playing career and is finalizing a deal to become an NFL analyst for CBS Sports.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio
Russell Carrington Wilson was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia.
Drafted by Seattle Seahawks
Wilson was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round (75th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Wins Super Bowl XLVIII
Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to a dominant 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII, securing the franchise's first Super Bowl title.
Signs $87.6M Extension with Seahawks
The Seahawks and Wilson agreed to a four-year, $87.6 million contract extension, making him the second-highest-paid player in the NFL at the time.
Marries Ciara
Russell Wilson married R&B singer Ciara.
Becomes Highest-Paid NFL Player
Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Seahawks, which briefly made him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
Named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
Wilson received the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his outstanding community service and philanthropy.
Traded to Denver Broncos
The Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal involving multiple draft picks and players.
Signs $245M Extension with Broncos
Wilson agreed to a five-year, $245 million contract extension with the Denver Broncos, including $165 million guaranteed, through the 2028 season.
Released by Denver Broncos
After two disappointing seasons, the Denver Broncos informed Russell Wilson they would release him, incurring an NFL-record $85 million in dead cap space.
Signs with Pittsburgh Steelers
Wilson signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the veteran's minimum, with the Broncos covering the majority of his salary.
Signs with New York Giants
Following his season with the Steelers, Wilson signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants for the 2025 NFL season.
Benched by Giants
After starting the first three games of the 2025 season, Wilson was benched by the New York Giants in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart.
Joins CBS Sports as Analyst
Russell Wilson announced he is finalizing a deal to become an NFL analyst for CBS Sports, effectively pausing his playing career.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Russell Wilson's NFL journey began in 2012 when he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. Over ten seasons, he established himself as one of the league's premier quarterbacks, leading the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl championship in Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 and another appearance in Super Bowl XLIX. He earned nine Pro Bowl selections during his time in Seattle and became known for his dual-threat capabilities and clutch play.
In March 2022, after a decade with the Seahawks, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal that involved multiple first-round picks and players. Shortly after, in September 2022, he signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension with the Broncos, including $165 million guaranteed, tying him to Denver through the 2028 season. However, his tenure in Denver proved largely unsuccessful, marked by inconsistent performance and the team's worst scoring offense in 2022. The Broncos finished 5-12 in his first season and 7-8 in 2023 before he was benched for the final two games.
The Broncos officially released Wilson in March 2024, incurring an NFL-record $85 million in dead cap space over the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Despite the significant financial implications, the move allowed Denver to avoid a $37 million guaranteed trigger for the 2025 season. Following his release, Wilson signed a one-year, veteran's minimum deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2024 season, with the Broncos covering the remainder of his $39 million salary. He experienced a rebound season in Pittsburgh, earning his tenth Pro Bowl selection.
For the 2025 season, Wilson signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants. He began the season as the starter but was replaced by rookie Jaxson Dart after Week 3 due to struggles, finishing the season with 831 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in limited appearances. His performance with the Giants led to speculation about the end of his playing career.
As of June 1, 2026, Russell Wilson has decided to put his playing career on hold. He is finalizing a deal to join CBS Sports as an NFL analyst, replacing Matt Ryan on 'The NFL Today' pregame show. This move marks a new chapter for the 37-year-old quarterback, who had reportedly received an offer to be a backup for the New York Jets but opted for the broadcasting opportunity.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Russell Carrington Wilson made different choices?