Russell Wilson has officially retired from the NFL after 14 seasons, confirming his departure in a three-minute social media video titled “Thank You, Football” posted on Wednesday evening. The 37-year-old quarterback immediately announced his next career phase, signing a deal to join CBS Sports as a full-time studio analyst on The NFL Today.
His decision to transition into broadcasting ends months of speculation, according to NBC Sports. Prior to accepting the network offer, Wilson was actively pursued by the New York Jets, who wanted him to serve as a backup to Geno Smith. He chose the broadcast booth instead, filling the seat vacated by Matt Ryan, who recently departed CBS to become the Atlanta Falcons’ president of football operations. Wilson joins a panel featuring James Brown, Nate Burleson, and Bill Cowher.
His playing days concluded following a rocky final stint with the New York Giants in the 2025/2026 season. Wilson started the team’s first three games before being permanently benched for Jaxson Dart. That short tenure marked the end of a career that saw him twice hold the title of the NFL’s highest-paid player through stops with the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Giants.
Selected by Seattle in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Wilson overcame intense skepticism regarding his 5-foot-11 height to win the starting job immediately. He spent a decade as the face of the Seahawks franchise and led them to consecutive Super Bowl appearances. His team won Super Bowl XLVIII in a 43-8 rout of the Broncos.
Wilson retires holding a unique place in football history as the shortest starting quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl. He was only the second Black starting quarterback to claim the Lombardi Trophy, joining Doug Williams. He finishes his career with 10 Pro Bowl selections, the 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, nearly 47,000 career passing yards, and over 350 passing touchdowns.