Russell Wilson Bids Farewell to NFL: A Heartfelt Retirement Announcement That Shook Fans

Russell Wilson, the quarterback who led his team to a Super Bowl victory, has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, closing the chapter on a remarkable 14-year career.

The 37-year-old athlete shared the news in a heartfelt three-minute video posted on social media, marking the end of his professional journey.

In the video, Wilson reflects on his early love for football, recalling early mornings spent with his father and brother. “I remember the moment I fell in love with football, waking up before sunrise with my dad and brother, running post routes and throwing moon balls,” he reminisced. “That’s where it all began. But over time, football became more than just a passion; it became an obsession.”

Wilson continued, “You’ve been my joy, my peace, my safe haven. You taught me discipline, faith, and resilience, and how to keep believing no matter the circumstances. You’ve given me purpose and the opportunity to inspire others and drive change, not just for myself but for future generations. You’ve also blessed me with the greatest gift of all—family. To every coach who believed in me, you helped shape the man I am today.”

A significant portion of the video paid tribute to his time with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, underscoring the impact of their collaboration on his career.

‘To Coach Carroll, thanks for taking a chance,’ Wilson continued. ‘Young [5ft 11in] black kid from Richmond, Virginia, that was told he was too small to ever make it. We knew, thank you for the sacrifice. None of this is possible to every fan who supported me, to the highs and the lows, your belief, your energy, your passion meant more than you’ll ever know.’

He also thanked the city itself: ‘To Seattle, you raised me, not just all the wins and crazy loud games, but also the forever memories after we won the Super Bowl.’

Russell Wilson has announced his retirement after a decorated 14-year NFL career

Wilson and wife Ciara at the 2026 FIT Annual Gala Honoring Honoring Richard Dickson at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on April 14. Wilson is now expected to take a job with CBS

In particular, Wilson thanked the patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital – which he and wife, Ciara, donated to on multiple occasions.

‘You gave me hope and belief in a better tomorrow, and hopefully I did the same for you,’ Wilson said. 

Later in the video, he thanked his family – closing out with an homage to his wife. 

‘And I thank you, C. I thank you, Ciara, for being my greatest blessing, my best friend, my partner through it all,’ Wilson said. ‘None of this journey called life would have been the same without you.’

Wilson has been finalizing a deal to join the CBS Sports team as an analyst. 

The 37-year-old found himself at a crossroads after his one-year deal with the New York Giants ended last season. Though he began as the franchise’s starting quarterback, he was later demoted for Jaxson Dart before landing in free agency.

Wilson did receive an offer from the New York Jets to serve as a backup to Geno Smith, his former understudy, but he has now apparently passed on that option.  

On Monday, it was revealed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback was finalizing a deal to become a CBS Sports analyst. 

He will join the network’s pregame show alongside the likes of James Brown, Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher, according to the report. 

Meanwhile, according to Ian Rapoport, Wilson did have an offer to be a backup quarterback with one franchise, but turned it down to embark on this new venture.