Russell Wilson Discusses CBS Broadcasting Debut and Whether Giants’ Quarterback Crisis Tempted an NFL Return

NFL great Russell Wilson has opened up about his move from the playing field to the broadcast booth, though he declined to say whether a return to the game remains a possibility.

The 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback began his broadcasting career this season, joining CBS for its NFL Today pregame coverage.

The career change followed a crossroads moment for Wilson after his one-year contract with the New York Giants expired last season. He initially served as the team’s starting quarterback but was eventually replaced by Jaxson Dart before entering free agency.

Instead of seeking another opportunity on an NFL roster, Wilson chose to step away from playing and pursue a role in television.

So far, the decision appears to have suited him. The former Super Bowl champion, who is expecting his fourth child with R&B singer Ciara, spoke enthusiastically about his new venture.

‘CBS has been amazing,’ Wilson told the Daily Mail while attending an event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

‘Being in the studio with Kyle Long, Bill Cowher and James Brown has been incredible. Two of them are Hall of Famers, and then there’s Nate Burleson as well,’ Wilson said.

‘I’ve had so much to learn from these guys, and we’re having a blast. The show is kicking butt and we’re doing great. More than anything, we’re enjoying football because we all love the game so much, and I think that’s the best part.’

Asked whether he misses suiting up each week, Wilson said his broadcasting role has instead given him a fresh perspective on the sport.

‘I always loved playing, obviously throwing touchdowns,’ he said. ‘But discussing the game and experiencing it in this way… I think doing it alongside the best people and the group we have makes it special. Kyle and I also do our Set Hut show every Tuesday, so that’s been a lot of fun.‘

He continued: ‘I get to experience football every day and every week, and it’s incredibly enjoyable.’

Wilson’s former team, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the league’s main storylines following a significant quarterback setback.

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The Giants lost Dart for the rest of the regular season after he suffered a knee injury during New York’s Week 2 loss to the LA Rams.

Jameis Winston moved into the QB1 role and guided the Giants to a hard-fought 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

However, the Giants wasted no time adding depth to their injury-hit quarterback room, trading for JJ McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. 

Many had questioned whether the Giants could look to lure Wilson out of the studio and back to the field to add more veteran experience amid their crisis. 

But the former signal caller remained mum on the possibility when asked if he had heard from his former team about a return, instead, opting to endorse Winston.    

‘It’s so unfortunate about Jaxson,’ he said. ‘I know he’s worked his butt off so much. But I know James is gonna do a great job.’ 

Wilson spoke to the Daily Mail at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s annual National Youth of the Year celebration at Cipriani South Street in New York City. 

‘I think it’s so special to be here,’ he said of the event. ‘You know, some of my favorite days are Sundays, obviously playing football for all these years and now working with CBS and then Tuesdays, going to the Children’s Hospital.

‘But nights like this are really, really special to be here in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club.’

He continued: ‘We had an amazing night last night with our Why Not You Foundation. We partner with the Boys and Girls Club in so many different ways. We launched our first Why Not You center in Pittsburgh. We also launched one in the Bronx, Kips Bay. We have a few others that we’re launching.’