Russell Wilson says goodbye to NFL in emotional retirement video: ‘Thank you, football’

Russell Wilson officially announced that his football playing career is over and that he would be joining CBS Sports as an NFL analyst, ending a 14-year career that included a Super Bowl title with the Seahawks in 2014.

The quarterback made the announcement in a three-minute video posted to his social media, confirming reports several days prior that he would be hanging up his helmet and moving into the broadcast space. 

“I remember the moment I fell in love with football, waking up before sunrise with my dad and brother, deep post routes and moon balls,” Wilson said in the video message. “Yeah, that’s where it all began. But somewhere along the way, our love for football turned to more than just passion. It was an obsession. You’ve been my joy, my peace, my safe place. You taught me discipline, faith, and resilience, how to keep believing no matter the circumstances. 

Russell Wilson holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on February 2, 2014. UPI

“You’ve given me purpose and opportunity, opportunity to inspire others and create change, to continue to evolve the game, not just for me, but for the next generation of ballers. You’ve also given me the greatest gift of all, family.”

Wilson, who thanked his wife Ciara in the video, had previously said that he was mulling over a contract offer from the Jets. But ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Wilson would join CBS Sports’ NFL pregame show, “NFL Today,”  alongside James Brown, Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher. 

CBS Sports had been believed to be the favorite to land Wilson. 

“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 career spanned 14 seasons after he was drafted by the Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent 10 years in Seattle and led the franchise to eight postseason appearances and the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship in 2014. 

He made stops in Denver for two seasons and one season in Pittsburg before spending his last season with the Giants. 

Russell Wilson and wife Ciara at the Fanatics Super Bowl party on Feb. 6, 2026. Jason Henry for California Post

Wilson started three games for the Giants before being benched in favor of then-rookie Jaxson Dart. 

“To every coach who believed in me, you helped shape me into the man I am today,” Wilson said. “To every teammate I’ve had the privilege of sharing the locker room with, thank you for the sacrifices, the brotherhood, the memories.

“None of this is possible without you. To every fan who supported me through the highs and the lows, your belief, your energy, and your passion meant more than you’ll ever know.”