Russell Wilson confirmed his retirement in a three-minute social media farewell video, reflecting on 14 seasons after being shaped at Seattle Seahawks under Pete Carroll. With his one-year New York Giants deal ending last season and an offer from the New York
Russell Wilson’s NFL career ended the way he described it—up before sunrise. reaching for football long before the spotlight. In a three-minute farewell video posted to social media. the 37-year-old Super Bowl-winning quarterback stepped back from the game with emotion still close to the surface. speaking about love turning into obsession and then into a life that—through discipline. faith. and resilience—found its way into purpose.
He began with a memory of where it started: waking up early with his dad and brother. “post routes and moon balls.” Then the tone shifted to what football had become. “Somewhere along the way, my love for football turned to more than just passion. It was an obsession,” he said. “You’ve been my joy, peace, my safe place.”.
Wilson didn’t just thank teammates and coaches. He also traced the lessons he carried from them. “You taught me discipline, faith, resilience, how to keep believing no matter the circumstances,” he said. “You’ve given me purpose and opportunity… to inspire others and create change to continue to evolve the game.”.
Much of the video focused on his years with the Seattle Seahawks under head coach Pete Carroll. “To Coach Carroll. thanks for taking a chance. ” Wilson said. addressing the moment that defined his rise—coming in as “a young [5ft 11in] black kid from Richmond. Virginia. ” told he was too small to ever make it. “We knew, thank you for the sacrifice,” he added. “None of this is possible to every fan who supported me… your belief. your energy. your passion meant more than you’ll ever know.”.
He carried that sense of gratitude into 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.”
The retirement lands after Wilson navigated a late-career crossroads. His decorated 14-year NFL run leaves him at the point where his one-year deal with the New York Giants ended after last season. He had started as the franchise’s quarterback. but was later demoted for Jaxson Dart. then moved on in free agency.
There was also a road offered to him in New York: Wilson received an offer from the New York Jets to serve as a backup to Geno Smith, his former understudy. Wilson has now apparently passed on that option.
By Monday, it was revealed that Wilson was finalizing a deal to join CBS Sports as an analyst. The ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback is expected to work on the network’s pregame show alongside James Brown, Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher.
Even as his playing career closes. the next chapter is already taking shape—turning his football instincts into TV analysis rather than game-day calls. In the same cycle of decisions that followed his Giants departure. he also had an offer to be a backup quarterback with one franchise but turned it down to pursue this new venture. setting the terms for what comes after retirement.
Russell Wilson retirement NFL retirement CBS Sports analyst Seattle Seahawks Pete Carroll New York Giants Jaxson Dart New York Jets Geno Smith James Brown Nate Burleson Bill Cowher Pro Bowl
So he retired and then went to CBS… football really never ends lol.
I didn’t even realize his Giants deal was basically already done. Kinda wild he’s only 37. Also “up before sunrise” is like every QB story I’ve ever heard.
Not to be that guy but Pete Carroll is probably gonna get all the credit again. Like Wilson was the one who actually won the Super Bowl, right? The article says he was “too small” which sounds like the media excuse every time a QB doesn’t fit the mold. Anyway CBS better let him talk football, not just feelings.
Up before sunrise?? post routes and moon balls?? That sounds like he’s making a movie trailer not retiring. I’m confused though, it says he ended with New York Russell Wilson’s deal… does that even make sense? Like Giants or like some other New York?? CBS is gonna be awkward because he’ll be comparing everything to “faith and resilience” and I’m just trying to watch a game.