Russell Wilson announces NFL retirement at 37

Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 37, bringing an end to a distinguished 14-year professional career.

Wilson's first decade in the NFL was with the Seattle Seahawks, where he became one of the most successful quarterbacks in league history.

He led the franchise to their first Super Bowl win in 2014 and helped make Seattle a repeat contender the next year, but it was not quite a back-to-back.

After leaving Seattle, Wilson was on the roster of three different teams during the last four seasons of his playing days.

After a high-profile move to the Denver Broncos in 2022, he was released in 2024 before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. He later spent most of his final season as a backup quarterback with the New York Giants.

Wilson will now move directly into broadcasting after agreeing to become an analyst with CBS.

Selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Wilson quickly won the starting quarterback role during his rookie season and was subsequently named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

Reflecting on his journey, Wilson thanked coach Carroll and teammates.

“To coach Carroll, thanks for taking a chance on a young, 5-11 black kid from Richmond, Virginia, that was told he was too small to ever make it in the NFL,” Wilson said

“And to every team-mate 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.”

Wilson retires with 46,966 passing yards and 353 touchdown passes, ranking among the NFL’s all-time leaders.

He also rushed for 5,568 yards and 31 touchdowns, becoming the only player in league history to surpass 40,000 passing yards and 5,000 rushing yards.