Russell Wilson is an American professional football quarterback who has played 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his exceptional dual-threat ability and deep-ball accuracy, he gained public attention for leading the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl championship in 2014. He is currently in the news for accepting a position as an analyst with CBS Sports’ The NFL Today, putting his playing career on hold.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Russell Carrington Wilson
Age: 37 (born November 29, 1988)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Professional Football Player, Sports Analyst
Known For: Winning Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks; 10-time Pro Bowl selection; joining CBS Sports as an NFL analyst
Marital Status: Married to R&B singer Ciara
Children: Three daughters Sienna Princess Wilson, son Win Harrison Wilson, stepson Future Zahir Wilburn
Early Life and Background
Wilson was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia, as the son of Harrison Benjamin Wilson III, a former NFL prospect turned lawyer, and Tammy Wilson, a legal nurse consultant. He was a multi-sport star at Richmond’s Collegiate School, excelling in football, baseball, and basketball. Wilson was named conference player of the year as a senior quarterback and capped his high school career by rushing for 223 yards and three touchdowns in the state title game.
Career and Achievements
Wilson played college football at North Carolina State University for three seasons before transferring to the University of Wisconsin for his senior year in 2011. At Wisconsin, he set the single-season FBS record for passer rating, led the Badgers to a Big Ten title, and earned a trip to the 2012 Rose Bowl. He also played minor league baseball for the Colorado Rockies organization as a second baseman.
The Seattle Seahawks selected Wilson in the third round (75th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. Overcoming concerns about his 5-foot-11 height, he was named the starting quarterback before his rookie season and tied Peyton Manning’s record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie with 26. He led the Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XLVIII (43-8 over Denver) and losing Super Bowl XLIX to New England on a last-minute interception.
Over his 14-year career, Wilson has passed for 46,966 yards, 353 touchdowns, and 114 interceptions, while rushing for 5,568 yards and 31 touchdowns . He is a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2020 for his philanthropy . He also holds the record for most wins by an NFL quarterback through nine seasons .
Wilson was traded to Denver in 2022, released in 2024, and spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. He started just three games for the Giants in 2025 before being replaced by rookie Jaxson Dart.
Why He Is In the News
Wilson is in the news after finalizing a deal to join CBS Sports as an analyst on The NFL Today. He will replace Matt Ryan on the Sunday pregame show alongside James Brown, Nate Burleson, and Bill Cowher. Wilson had been considering a backup role with the New York Jets but chose the broadcasting opportunity instead. He has not officially filed retirement paperwork and is considered to be “putting a pause” on his playing career rather than ending it permanently.
Conclusion
Russell Wilson is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and one of the most accomplished dual-threat passers in NFL history. After a decorated 14-year career that includes 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year award, he is transitioning to the broadcast booth with CBS Sports while leaving the door open for a potential return to the field.
