NEW YORK — Former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson made his retirement from professional football official Wednesday, announcing through a social media video that he will be joining CBS Sports as a broadcast analyst.
The ten-time Pro Bowl signal-caller’s confirmation followed reports from earlier this week that he was completing negotiations to become part of CBS’s Sunday NFL pregame show.
“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,” he said in the video.
Wilson’s professional career spanned 14 seasons after Seattle selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft following his college career at N.C. State. During his decade with the Seahawks, he guided the franchise to its first Super Bowl title in the 2013 season. Following the 2021 campaign, he was dealt to Denver, where he struggled through two difficult seasons with the Broncos before spending single seasons with Pittsburgh and the New York Giants.
Throughout his career, Wilson accumulated 46,966 passing yards while throwing 353 touchdown passes against 114 interceptions.
Wilson joins an exclusive group alongside Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks to record at least 20 touchdown throws in each of their opening three seasons. He also stands among just seven quarterbacks selected to 10 Pro Bowls.
The retiring quarterback holds the unique NFL distinction of achieving at least 30 touchdown passes while throwing fewer than 15 interceptions across four consecutive seasons. Additionally, he recorded three campaigns with both 30-plus touchdown passes and 500 rushing yards, setting an NFL record.
During his approximately three-minute announcement video, Wilson expressed gratitude to teammates, friends and family while offering particular recognition to 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,” Wilson said.
Wilson holds the record as the shortest starting quarterback to capture a Super Bowl championship.
Wilson will step into the role previously held by Matt Ryan, who departed the broadcast booth after two seasons on “The NFL Today” to become president of football for the Atlanta Falcons. Wilson had contemplated returning for a 15th playing season, revealing to the New York Post last month that he was considering an offer from the New York Jets to serve as backup to Geno Smith.
The retirement video showcased career highlights and included footage of Wilson’s visits to patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The announcement concluded with Wilson expressing appreciation to his wife, Ciara, and the sport that defined his career.
“I thank you, football. … I am forever grateful,” he said.
