"Throughout his career, Russell Wilson has been a winner, both on and off the field." – CBS Sports EVP Harold Bryant
Russell Wilson has announced his retirement from the National Football League (NFL) after a 14-season career. He will join CBS Sports as an analyst on its pregame show, The NFL Today, for the 2026 season.
CBS confirmed the move on Thursday, also announcing that former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long will join the show as an analyst. Wilson and Long will join host James Brown and analysts Bill Cowher and Nate Burleson. Wilson replaces Matt Ryan, who became the President of Football Operations for the Atlanta Falcons.
Announcement and New Role
Wilson announced his retirement and new role in a social-media video on Wednesday, March 11, 2025.
Career Timeline
Seattle Seahawks (2012–2021)
Wilson was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round (75th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He became the starting quarterback as a rookie, surpassing free-agent addition Matt Flynn, and was named NFL Rookie of the Year.
He played 10 seasons for Seattle, leading the team to eight playoff appearances, four NFC West titles, and two NFC championships. The Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season and lost Super Bowl XLIX to the New England Patriots after the 2014 season. Wilson was selected to nine Pro Bowls during his tenure with the Seahawks and won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2020.
Denver Broncos (2022–2023)
Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension. In his first season, the Broncos finished 4-11 in his starts under head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired after 15 games. In 2023, Wilson performed better but was benched at the end of the season by head coach Sean Payton. He was released by the Broncos in 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
Wilson joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. He missed the start of the season due to a calf injury but played the final 11 games. The Steelers went 6-5 in his starts and 10-7 overall, earning a playoff berth. The team lost five consecutive games to end the season.
New York Giants (2025)
Wilson played his final NFL season with the New York Giants. He started the first three games, going 0-3, before being replaced by rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in Week 4.
Career Statistics
- Passing Yards: 46,966 (16th all-time)
- Touchdown Passes: 353 (12th all-time)
- Rushing Yards: 5,568
- Rushing Touchdowns: 31
- Pro Bowl Selections: 10
Notable: Wilson is the only player in NFL history with over 40,000 passing yards and 5,000 rushing yards. He led the league in touchdown passes in 2017 and ranks fifth in career passer rating among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts. He threw 292 of his 353 touchdown passes while with the Seattle Seahawks.
CBS Statement
CBS Sports executive vice president Harold Bryant said:
"Throughout his career, Russell Wilson has been a winner, both on and off the field. We’re thrilled to add a Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks to our roster. Russell’s preparation and leadership set him apart and we look forward to the perspective and insight he will bring to the studio straight from the field. Kyle brings an infectious energy, relentless passion and deep knowledge of the game and is not shy about sharing his opinions. He has earned this opportunity and we’re proud to elevate him to a full-time role on The NFL Today. We’re excited for this new team at the desk to kick off NFL Sundays on CBS."
Background on Kyle Long
Kyle Long last played in the NFL in 2019 and has worked for CBS since 2020.
Off-Field Activities
Wilson and his wife, singer Ciara, partnered with Wheels Up to pledge 10 million meals to Feeding America. He has also made weekly hospital visits to sick children.