Russell Wilson made his NFL retirement official in a social-media video on Wednesday, confirming he will join CBS for The NFL Today. After winning the starting job as a rookie in 2012 and reaching the Pro Bowl nine times in 10 Seahawks seasons, Wilson moved on
Russell Wilson didn’t ease into the moment. In a social-media video posted on Wednesday, he made it official: he is retiring from the NFL.
Wilson also confirmed what his next chapter will look like. He will be working for CBS on The NFL Today.
The 2012 draft pick story starts with the point where expectations could have hardened into pressure. As a third-round pick in 2012, Wilson won the starting job as a rookie, beating out free-agent arrival Matt Flynn.
He didn’t just hold the role—he built a career around it. Over nine Pro Bowl selections in 10 seasons with the Seahawks, Wilson became a fixture at the league’s biggest stages. Then came the shift. Wilson was traded to the Broncos in 2022, playing two seasons in Denver. After that, his path included one season with the Steelers and one with the Giants.
The question of “what if” followed him into the offseason. The Jets had interest in adding Wilson as a backup to Geno Smith, who once backed up Wilson in Seattle. Even with that opening on the field, Wilson chose TV over continuing to play.
In the years to come. his place in the conversation will be fought out. especially with the Hall of Fame candidacy ahead. Former Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty said on Tuesday’s PFT Live that Wilson was in the second tier of NFL quarterbacks during McCourty’s career. which largely overlapped with Wilson.
Wilson’s supporters will point to what he achieved anyway. He defied his size, won a Super Bowl, and was the highest-paid player in the NFL twice—markers that don’t disappear just because the debate gets sharper.
Russell Wilson NFL retirement CBS The NFL Today Seattle Seahawks Denver Broncos Pittsburgh Steelers New York Giants Geno Smith Jets Pro Bowl Super Bowl Hall of Fame Devin McCourty