Russell Wilson Announces Retirement from NFL After 14 Seasons

Russell Wilson has announced his retirement from the NFL after a remarkable 14-season career. The quarterback is celebrated for leading the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory.

Wilson shared his decision through a social media video. During his career, he became one of the league’s most prominent quarterbacks. He amassed 46,966 passing yards and 353 touchdowns, playing for teams including the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants. His accomplishments include being a 10-time Pro Bowler and winning the 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

“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.’ Yeah, that’s where it all began. But somewhere along the way, my love for football turned into more than just passion. It was an obsession,” Wilson said in his video.

Wilson’s NFL journey started when the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He quickly made an impact, achieving an 11-5 record in his debut season. Supported by the “Legion of Boom” defense, Wilson’s Seahawks conquered Super Bowl XLVIII, defeating the Denver Broncos with a decisive 43-8 score.

While Seattle celebrated one Super Bowl win, a controversial play against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX prevented a second title. This moment is remembered for the decision to pass instead of running with Marshawn Lynch, resulting in an interception by Malcolm Butler.

Wilson expressed gratitude to Pete Carroll, recalling, “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 ever make it in the NFL. We knew what winning was like.” In his 10 seasons with Seattle, Wilson recorded 37,059 passing yards, 292 touchdowns, and a 104-53-1 record. He thanked Seattle fans, saying, “You raised me.”

After his Seahawks tenure, Wilson moved to the Broncos in 2022, facing challenges and public tensions with head coach Sean Payton. His initial Denver season ended with a 4-11 record. The Broncos decided to move on after a 7-8 record in 2023, despite his large contract.

Wilson then accepted a veteran minimum deal with the Steelers in 2024, finishing 6-5 and earning a Pro Bowl invitation. The Steelers reached the playoffs, exiting in the Wild Card Round.

The New York Giants signed Wilson in 2025, with Jaxson Dart drafted as his potential successor. Dart replaced Wilson after three starts, taking over in Week 4 against the Chargers. Wilson emphasized his role as a mentor during this period.

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

As Wilson moves on from playing, he transitions to sports media, joining CBS Sports as an NFL analyst.