Russell Wilson confirmed his NFL retirement in a social media video, saying he’s stepping into a new role with CBS Sports and “The NFL Today.” The 10-time Pro Bowler leaves behind a career that included a Super Bowl title with the Seahawks, two seasons with De
NEW YORK — Russell Wilson didn’t just announce a career change; he closed the chapter with the kind of gratitude that only comes after years built around the same Sunday rhythm.
In a video posted to social media on Wednesday, the 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback confirmed he’s retiring from the NFL and taking a job with CBS Sports. He said the next stop is “The NFL Today,” where he will work as an analyst after finalizing a deal to join CBS’s Sunday NFL pregame show.
“As I enter this next chapter with CBS Sports and ‘The NFL Today,’ I’m so blessed to continue doing what I love most — being around the greatest game in the world,” Wilson said in the three-minute video.
Wilson’s NFL path began when Seattle drafted him in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft out of N.C. State. He played 14 seasons, spending the first 10 with the Seahawks. During his time in Seattle, he led the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship in the 2013 season. After the 2021 season. he was traded to Denver. where he spent two years described as rocky before moving on again—one season with Pittsburgh and another with the New York Giants.
His statistical resume sits among the most decorated for a quarterback: 46,966 yards passing, 353 touchdown passes, and 114 interceptions.
The records he leaves behind are specific and striking. Wilson joins Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks to throw at least 20 touchdown passes in each of their first three seasons. He is also one of seven quarterbacks to be selected to 10 Pro Bowls. He holds the rare distinction of being 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, the most in league history.
In the retirement video. Wilson’s tone turned personal as he thanked teammates. friends. and family. with special thanks to former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. “Thanks for taking a chance on a young. 5-11 Black kid from Richmond. Virginia. that was told he was too small to ever make it in the NFL. ” Wilson said.
Wilson also carried the kind of detail that stays with football fans: he is the shortest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
The timing of his move to broadcasting lands with a clear lineup shift at CBS. Wilson will replace Matt Ryan. who joined the Atlanta Falcons as president of football after two seasons on “The NFL Today.” Before deciding. Wilson had considered returning for a 15th NFL season. Last month. he told the New York Post that he was mulling an offer to join the New York Jets and back up Geno Smith.
The video itself moved like a career montage with purpose. It included highlights from Wilson’s playing days and footage of him visiting patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital. It ended with thanks to his wife, Ciara, and the sport he dedicated his life to.
“I thank you, football. … I am forever grateful,” Wilson said.
Russell Wilson NFL retirement CBS Sports The NFL Today Matt Ryan Seattle Seahawks Denver Broncos Pittsburgh Steelers New York Giants Geno Smith Peyton Manning Dan Marino