The 10-time Pro Bowler, Russell Wilson, has officially announced his retirement from the league after 14 historic NFL seasons. Before he steps into his next endeavor, the former New York Giants quarterback dropped a statement.

“Grateful for moments like these!" Wilson wrote a five-word message on his Instagram story on June 4, overlaying a post by the NFL of him lifting the Walter Payton Award. "God is the Greatest!”

The trophy featured in the post by the NFL's official page that Russell posted on his story was his 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

This huge honor recognizes an active player's outstanding community service and philanthropic impact. Wilson became only the second player in the Seattle Seahawks franchise history to earn this specific off-field achievement.

Wilson officially retires with 46,966 total passing yards and 5,568 rushing yards paired with 353 passing touchdowns. He is an absolute statistical anomaly.

As reported by Seattle Sports writer Cameron Van Til, no other player in NFL history has reached both 35,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards.

He also holds the record for the most seasons, three(2015, 2017, 2020), with 30 passing touchdowns and 500 rushing yards. However, 14 years back, Wilson stepped into the NFL with a lot of doubts.

The 2012 third-round draft pick faced doubts over his 5'11" frame being too small for a quarterback and his age of just 25 being too young for the role.

“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 stated in his retirement video that he posted on Instagram.

After 10 great years in Seattle, winning Super Bowl XLVIII, Wilson spent two turbulent seasons with the Denver Broncos, starting 30 games and finishing 11-19.

He then spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, appearing in 11 regular-season games. Finally, he finished his active career, starting three games for the 2025 New York Giants.

Next Chapter of Russell Wilson's Career

Instead of returning to play, Wilson is stepping away to become a full-time studio analyst for CBS Sports on The NFL Today show.

This media deal was finalized after a whole month of deep talks between Wilson and CBS that started back on May 1, 2026.

“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 stated, discussing the transition in a three-minute social media video.

Wilson is set to replace Matt Ryan, who moved into a front-office position with the Atlanta Falcons as president of football operations after two seasons on The NFL Today.

He had also thought about returning for a 15th season and told the New York Post last month that he was considering an offer from the New York Jets to serve as a backup to Geno Smith.

“I thank you, football. I am forever grateful,” he finally announced his retirement on Wednesday, June 3.

What are your favorite memories from Wilson's 14-year-long journey in the NFL? Drop in the comments.

Read more at Quarter Back Central.

Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar