Russell Wilson Announces Retirement from NFL, Joins CBS Sports as Analyst

NEW YORK (AP) — Russell Wilson, a ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback, revealed his retirement from the NFL in a heartfelt video shared on social media Wednesday. This announcement comes shortly after reports surfaced about his new role as an analyst for CBS Sports' Sunday NFL pregame show.

In the video, Wilson expressed excitement for this new chapter: “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's NFL career spanned 14 seasons, beginning when the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round of the 2012 draft out of North Carolina State University. He spent a decade with the Seahawks, leading them to their first Super Bowl victory in the 2013 season. Following a trade to the Denver Broncos after the 2021 season, he experienced two challenging years before concluding his playing days with one season each at Pittsburgh and New York Giants.

Over his career, Wilson amassed impressive statistics, throwing for 46,966 yards, with 353 touchdown passes and 114 interceptions. He is among the elite company of quarterbacks, sharing the distinction with Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as one of the few to throw at least 20 touchdown passes in each of his first three seasons. Wilson is also the only NFL player to achieve over 30 touchdown passes while throwing fewer than 15 interceptions in four consecutive seasons.

In his emotional farewell, Wilson acknowledged his teammates, friends, and family, notably thanking 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.” He holds the record as the shortest starting quarterback to secure a Super Bowl title.

Replacing Matt Ryan, who recently transitioned to a role with the Atlanta Falcons, Wilson's move to CBS marks a significant shift as he steps away from active play. Although he had contemplated a 15th season, including a potential backup role with the New York Jets, he ultimately decided to retire. His farewell video highlighted memorable career moments and concluded with a heartfelt message to his wife, Ciara, and the sport he cherished: “I thank you, football. ... I am forever grateful.”