Russell Wilson retires from NFL to join CBS Sports as analyst
Wilson replaces Matt Ryan at the network following a final season with the New York Giants, concluding a career defined by statistical milestones and a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks.
Ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson has confirmed his retirement from the National Football League after 14 seasons, announcing his transition to media via a social media video on Wednesday. Wilson stated he will join CBS Sports as an analyst on the pregame programme 'The NFL Today', replacing Matt Ryan, who departed the role to become president of football operations for the Atlanta Falcons.
The announcement follows reports from two days prior that Wilson was finalising a deal with the network. Wilson, who was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft out of NC State, spent his first 10 seasons with the Seahawks. He led the team to their first Super Bowl championship in the 2013 season and earned Pro Bowl nods in nine of those years.
Wilson’s final playing season was with the New York Giants in 2025, where he signed a one-year deal with expectations of serving as the starting quarterback. His tenure was short-lived; he started three games before being benched for rookie Jaxson Dart and appeared in only three additional matches off the bench for the remainder of the season. Prior to New York, he played for the Denver Broncos, following a trade after the 2021 season, and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, where he led the league with four fourth-quarter comebacks.
He leaves the league with 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdown passes, and 114 interceptions. Wilson is one of seven quarterbacks to be selected to 10 Pro Bowls and the only player in NFL history with at least 30 touchdown passes and fewer than 15 interceptions in four straight seasons. He is also the shortest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
In his announcement video, Wilson thanked his teammates, friends, and family, giving special thanks to former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. He had previously considered returning for a 15th season, mulling an offer to join the New York Jets as a backup to Geno Smith, but ultimately chose to conclude his playing career and begin his next chapter with CBS Sports.
