Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson has announced his retirement after a decorated 14-year NFL career.
The 37-year-old made the announcement with a three-minute farewell video on social media.
‘I remember the moment I fell in love with football, waking up before sunrise with my dad and brother, he post routes and moon balls,’ the video began. ‘Yeah, that’s where it all began. But somewhere along the way, my love for football turned to more than just passion. It was an obsession.
‘You’ve been my joy, peace, my safe place,’ he continued. ‘You taught me discipline, faith, resilience, how to keep believing no matter the circumstances. You’ve given me purpose and opportunity, opportunity to inspire others and create change to continue to evolve the game, not just for me, but for the next generation of dollars. You’ve also given me the greatest gift of family. Every coach who believed in me, you helped shape me into the man I am today.’
Much of the video focused on his time under Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.
‘To Coach Carroll, thanks for taking a chance,’ Wilson continued. ‘Young [5ft 11in] black kid from Richmond, Virginia, that was told he was too small to ever make it. We knew, thank you for the sacrifice. None of this is possible to every fan who supported me, to the highs and the lows, your belief, your energy, your passion meant more than you’ll ever know.’
He also thanked the city itself: ‘To Seattle, you raised me, not just all the wins and crazy loud games, but also the forever memories after we won the Super Bowl.’
Russell Wilson has announced his retirement after a decorated 14-year NFL career
Wilson and wife Ciara at the 2026 FIT Annual Gala Honoring Honoring Richard Dickson at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on April 14. Wilson is now expected to take a job with CBS
In particular, Wilson thanked the patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital – which he and wife, Ciara, donated to on multiple occasions.
‘You gave me hope and belief in a better tomorrow, and hopefully I did the same for you,’ Wilson said.
Later in the video, he thanked his family – closing out with an homage to his wife.
‘And I thank you, C. I thank you, Ciara, for being my greatest blessing, my best friend, my partner through it all,’ Wilson said. ‘None of this journey called life would have been the same without you.’
Wilson has been finalizing a deal to join the CBS Sports team as an analyst.
The 37-year-old found himself at a crossroads after his one-year deal with the New York Giants ended last season. Though he began as the franchise’s starting quarterback, he was later demoted for Jaxson Dart before landing in free agency.
Wilson did receive an offer from the New York Jets to serve as a backup to Geno Smith, his former understudy, but he has now apparently passed on that option.
On Monday, it was revealed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback was finalizing a deal to become a CBS Sports analyst.
Wilson referenced his father, former Chargers wideout Harrison Wilson III, who died in 2010
He also specifically thanked his wife, Ciara for her support throughout the years
Wilson leaves as one of the greatest two-way quarterbacks in NFL history
He will join the network’s pregame show alongside the likes of James Brown, Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher, according to the report.
Meanwhile, according to Ian Rapoport, Wilson did have an offer to be a backup quarterback with one franchise, but turned it down to embark on this new venture.
He takes over from Matt Ryan, who left CBS to be the President of Football for the Atlanta Falcons.
Wilson leaves the game as one of the most versatile quarterbacks in NFL history – known for his ability to escape pressure and extend plays as well as for his cannon of an arm.
He spent 14 seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the third round by the Seahawks, the team with which he won Super Bowl XLVIII. Wilson also played for the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.
Wilson is the only player in NFL history with at least 30 touchdown passes and fewer than 15 interceptions in four straight seasons. He also had three seasons with at least 30 TD passes and 500 yards rushing, which is the most in NFL history.