Career Timeline of Russell Wilson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Russell Wilson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Russell Wilson is an American football quarterback, currently playing for the New York Giants. Best known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks, he led the team to their first Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Wilson is widely considered one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 23, 2006: Committed to North Carolina State University

On July 23, 2006, Russell Wilson committed to North Carolina State University, also receiving a football scholarship offer from Duke University.

2007: Redshirted at NC State

During the 2007 season, Russell Wilson redshirted at NC State.

2008: Led NC State to 4-3 Record

In 2008, Russell Wilson led the NC State Wolfpack to a 4-3 record in the regular season, ending with a four-game winning streak.

2008: Played College Football for NC State

In 2008, Russell Wilson played college football and baseball for the NC State Wolfpack.

June 8, 2010: Wilson Drafted by Colorado Rockies

On June 8, 2010, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the MLB draft.

2010: Played Baseball for Tri-City Dust Devils

In 2010, Russell Wilson played minor league baseball for the Tri-City Dust Devils as a second baseman.

June 27, 2011: Committed to Wisconsin

On June 27, 2011, Russell Wilson committed to Wisconsin for the 2011 season. In the season opener against UNLV, Wilson passed for 255 yards and two touchdowns in a 51-17 victory.

2011: Played Baseball for Asheville Tourists and Transferred to Wisconsin

In 2011, Russell Wilson played baseball for the Asheville Tourists and transferred to the Wisconsin Badgers.

January 16, 2012: Began Training for NFL Scouting Combine

On January 16, 2012, Russell Wilson began training for the NFL Scouting Combine at the IMG Madden Football Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

January 28, 2012: Completed College Football Career at Senior Bowl

On January 28, 2012, Russell Wilson completed his college football career at the 2012 Senior Bowl.

April 26, 2012: Wilson Chooses Marketing Agency

On April 26, 2012, Russell Wilson announced he had chosen French/West/Vaughan as his marketing, public relations, and endorsements agency.

May 7, 2012: Signed Contract with Seahawks

On May 7, 2012, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $2.99 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

August 11, 2012: Preseason Debut Against Tennessee Titans

On August 11, 2012, Russell Wilson made his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans.

August 26, 2012: Named Starting Quarterback for Seahawks

On August 26, 2012, Russell Wilson was named the starting quarterback for the first regular season game for the Seattle Seahawks.

September 9, 2012: Regular Season Debut

On September 9, 2012, Russell Wilson made his regular season debut in a 20–16 road loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

2012: Russell Wilson Passing Academy Founded

In 2012, Russell Wilson started the Russell Wilson Passing Academy, a youth football camp, in several cities. Proceeds from the camp went to the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association, for which Wilson is the National Ambassador.

2012: Drafted by Seattle Seahawks

In 2012, the Seattle Seahawks selected Russell Wilson in the third round (75th overall) of the NFL draft. He also tied the rookie record for most passing touchdowns and was named Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.

December 27, 2013: Named to Second Pro Bowl

On December 27, 2013, Russell Wilson was named to his second Pro Bowl, adding to his growing list of achievements in the NFL.

2013: "Invested with Russell" Program

In 2013, Wilson partnered with Russell Investments for its "Invested with Russell" program, which donated $3,000 to Wilson's charitable foundation for every touchdown he scored.

January 19, 2014: Seahawks Advance to Super Bowl XLVIII

On January 19, 2014, Russell Wilson and the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, advancing to Super Bowl XLVIII.

September 21, 2014: Seahawks Defeat Broncos in Super Bowl Rematch

On September 21, 2014, Russell Wilson led the Seahawks on an 80-yard touchdown drive in overtime to defeat the Denver Broncos, 26–20, in a Week 3 rematch of the previous season's Super Bowl.

October 6, 2014: Wilson Sets Monday Night Football Rushing Record

On October 6, 2014, Russell Wilson set a new Monday Night Football record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game with 122 yards, also marking a single-game franchise record for a Seahawks quarterback.

December 21, 2014: Wilson Throws for Career-High 339 Yards Against Cardinals

On December 21, 2014, Russell Wilson threw for a then-career-high 339 yards with two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, leading the offense in gaining 596 yards and setting a franchise record.

2014: "Invested with Russell" Program

In 2014, Wilson partnered with Russell Investments for its "Invested with Russell" program, which donated $3,000 to Wilson's charitable foundation for every touchdown he scored.

July 31, 2015: Wilson Agrees to Contract Extension with Seahawks

On July 31, 2015, Russell Wilson agreed to a four-year, $87.6 million contract extension with the Seahawks, making him the second-highest-paid player in the NFL at the time.

December 22, 2015: Named to Third Pro Bowl

On December 22, 2015, Russell Wilson was named to his third Pro Bowl, adding to his growing list of achievements in the NFL.

2015: Appearances and Hosting

In 2015, Wilson appeared in the film Entourage and hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.

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February 29, 2016: Wilson Launches Good Man Brand Clothing Line

On February 29, 2016, Russell Wilson launched Good Man Brand, a clothing line which he co-founded.

August 2016: Why Not You Foundation Fundraiser

In August 2016, Russell Wilson's Why Not You Foundation raised $1,060,005 for the Seattle Children's Hospital's Strong Against Cancer initiative.

August 2016: Wilson Partners with Juice Press

In August 2016, it was announced that Russell Wilson had partnered with Juice Press to open the company's first Seattle franchise.

November 14, 2016: Wilson Joins Investment Group for Seattle Sports Arena

On November 14, 2016, Russell Wilson announced he had joined Chris Hansen, Wally Walker, and Erik and Pete Nordstrom as partners in the investment group working to bring a new sports arena to Seattle for potential NBA and NHL teams.

2016: Keynote Speaker at Alma Maters

In 2016, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker for the commencement address at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of his alma maters.

2016: Appearances and Hosting

In 2016, Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.

September 5, 2017: Wilson Voted Seahawks Offensive Captain

On September 5, 2017, Russell Wilson was voted Seahawks offensive captain for the fifth consecutive season, showcasing his leadership within the team.

September 8, 2017: TraceMe Public Beta Launch

On September 8, 2017, Russell Wilson's fan network platform, TraceMe, launched its public beta, simultaneously announcing $9 million in Series A funding from investors like Jeff Bezos' Bezos Expeditions, Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai, and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.

November 20, 2017: Wilson Invests in VICIS

On November 20, 2017, Russell Wilson was among the investors announced in a $7 million investment round for VICIS, a manufacturer of football helmets.

December 19, 2017: Named to Fourth Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Russell Wilson was named to his fourth Pro Bowl, recognizing his outstanding performance during the season.

2017: Appearances and Hosting

In 2017, Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.

February 7, 2018: Wilson Traded to the New York Yankees

On February 7, 2018, Russell Wilson was traded from the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees and assigned to their Double-A affiliate, the Trenton Thunder.

June 2018: Effort to Bring MLB to Portland

In June 2018, Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara announced they were joining an effort to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to Portland, Oregon.

July 2018: Wilson Becomes Molecule Investor

In July 2018, Russell Wilson invested in and became an endorser for Molecule, a mattress company.

September 2018: Wheaties Cereal Box Cover

In September 2018, Russell Wilson was announced as the next athlete to be featured on the cover of a Wheaties cereal box.

April 16, 2019: Wilson Signs Contract Extension with Seahawks

On April 16, 2019, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Seahawks, making him the highest paid player in the NFL.

August 2019: Part Owner of Seattle Sounders FC

In August 2019, Russell Wilson and Ciara joined the ownership group of Seattle Sounders FC, a local Major League Soccer club. The Sounders subsequently won the 2019 MLS Cup, giving Wilson an MLS Cup to his name as part owner.

2019: Signed Contract Extension with Seahawks

In 2019, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, becoming the highest-paid NFL player at the time.

January 2020: Chairman of NFL FLAG

In January 2020, Russell Wilson was appointed Chairman of NFL FLAG. The global partnership will focus on strengthening NFL FLAG domestically and expanding the league internationally.

March 2020: COVID-19 Meal Donation

In March 2020, Russell Wilson and Ciara partnered with Food Lifeline to donate one million meals to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Threw 30 Touchdowns for the Fourth Consecutive Season

In 2020, Russell Wilson became the third quarterback in NFL history to throw 30 touchdowns in four consecutive seasons.

2020: Named Walter Payton Man of the Year

In 2020, Russell Wilson was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year for his philanthropy.

September 2021: Children's Book Announcement

In September 2021, Russell Wilson and Ciara announced they were writing a children's book called Why Not You? to help kids pursue their dreams.

Why Not You?

Check it on Amazon

2021: Keynote Speaker at Alma Maters

In 2021, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker for the commencement address at North Carolina State University, one of his alma maters.

March 1, 2022: Release of Children's Book

On March 1, 2022, Russell Wilson and Ciara's children's book, Why Not You?, co-written with JaNay Brown-Wood, was published by Random House and released. The book became a New York Times bestseller.

Why Not You?

Check it on Amazon

March 16, 2022: Wilson Traded to the Broncos

On March 16, 2022, the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Broncos for multiple draft picks, Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant.

May 2022: Paul G. Allen Humanitarian Award

In May 2022, Russell Wilson and Ciara received the Paul G. Allen Humanitarian Award for their philanthropic and humanitarian contributions to Seattle.