Russell Wilson Retires From NFL, Joins CBS Sports as Analyst

June 6, 2026 | D.M. Fashion Book | Sports and Entertainment

After 14 seasons in the NFL, Russell Wilson has officially announced his retirement from professional football and confirmed his next move as a broadcaster with CBS Sports.

The 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback shared the news in an emotional video posted to social media, just days after reports surfaced that he was finalizing a deal to join CBS’ flagship pregame show, The NFL Today, as an analyst.

“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 said in the video.

Wilson’s NFL journey began when the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin. Despite concerns about his height entering the league, he quickly emerged as one of football’s premier quarterbacks, leading Seattle to its first Super Bowl title during the 2013 season and becoming the face of the franchise for a decade.

Following his tenure with the Seahawks, Wilson spent two seasons with the Denver Broncos before brief stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. He closes his career with 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdowns, and 114 interceptions.

Throughout his decorated career, Wilson established himself as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of his generation. He joins Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks to throw at least 20 touchdown passes in each of their first three NFL seasons and remains one of only seven signal-callers to earn 10 Pro Bowl selections.

Wilson also leaves behind a unique place in NFL history. He is the only player to record at least 30 touchdown passes and fewer than 15 interceptions in four consecutive seasons, while his three campaigns featuring both 30-plus touchdown passes and at least 500 rushing yards remain an NFL record.

In the retirement video, Wilson reflected on his journey and thanked teammates, family members, friends, and several key figures who helped shape his career. He offered special appreciation to former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll for believing in him from the beginning.

“Thanks for taking a chance on a young, 5-foot-11 Black kid from Richmond, Virginia, that was told he was too small to ever make it in the NFL,” Wilson said.

Wilson retires as the shortest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl and one of the most successful dual-threat quarterbacks the league has ever seen.

At CBS Sports, he will replace former NFL MVP Matt Ryan, who recently left The NFL Today to become president of football operations for the Atlanta Falcons. Wilson had reportedly explored a return for a 15th season, including discussions about a potential backup role with the New York Jets, but ultimately chose to step away from the game.

The nearly three-minute farewell video featured highlights from Wilson’s playing career alongside footage of his charitable work, including visits to patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital. It concluded with a heartfelt message to his wife, Ciara, and the sport that defined his professional life.

“I thank you, football,” Wilson said. “I am forever grateful.”