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 a professional 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 and earned nine Pro Bowl selections. Widely considered one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, Wilson's career also includes a stint as a professional baseball player.
2004: Last Defending Super Bowl Champion to Return to the Super Bowl
In 2004, the Patriots were the last defending Super Bowl Champion to return to the Super Bowl before the Seahawks did so in 2015.
2005: Seahawks First Defending Super Bowl Champion to Win a Playoff Game since 2005 Patriots
In 2005, the Patriots were the last defending Super Bowl Champion to win a playoff game before the Seahawks did so in 2014.
2007: Redshirt Season at NC State
In 2007, Russell Wilson redshirted during the season at NC State.
2007: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles
In 2007, after graduating from high school, Russell Wilson was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 41st round of the MLB draft but chose to attend NC State instead.
2008: Joined NC State Wolfpack Baseball Team
In 2008, Russell Wilson became a member of the NC State Wolfpack baseball team.
2008: Starting Quarterback at NC State
In 2008, Russell Wilson became the starting quarterback at NC State, leading the team to a 4-3 record and a four-game winning streak.
2008: College Football and Baseball at NC State
In 2008, Russell Wilson played both college football and baseball for the NC State Wolfpack.
2008: PapaJohns.com Bowl and ACC Recognition
In 2008, Russell Wilson played in the PapaJohns.com Bowl, suffering a knee sprain. He was named first-team All-ACC quarterback, the first time in conference history a freshman quarterback was named to the first team.
2009: Played for Gastonia Grizzlies
During the summer of 2009, Russell Wilson played for the Gastonia Grizzlies, a collegiate summer baseball team in the Coastal Plain League.
2009: Record-Breaking Pass Streak and All-ACC Honorable Mention
In 2009, Russell Wilson broke the NCAA record for consecutive pass attempts without an interception and was named honorable mention All-ACC, finishing the season with 3,027 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
June 8, 2010: Drafted by the Colorado Rockies
On June 8, 2010, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the MLB draft.
2010: Continued College and Minor League Career
In 2010, Russell Wilson continued playing college football and baseball for NC State. He also played minor league baseball for the Tri-City Dust Devils.
2010: Played for NC State Wolfpack Baseball Team
Russell Wilson played for the NC State Wolfpack baseball team until 2010, with a collegiate career of hitting .282/.384/.415 with five home runs and 30 runs batted in.
January 2011: Spring Training Announcement
In January 2011, Russell Wilson announced that he would report to spring training with the Colorado Rockies organization, leading to reservations from his NC State head coach.
April 29, 2011: Release from Football Scholarship
On April 29, 2011, Russell Wilson was granted a release from his football scholarship with one year of eligibility left at NC State.
June 27, 2011: Commitment to Wisconsin
On June 27, 2011, Russell Wilson committed to Wisconsin for the 2011 season.
December 2011: Big Ten Championship and All-American Honors
In December 2011, Russell Wilson led the Wisconsin Badgers to a Big Ten Championship victory and was named the game's MVP. He was also named a third team All-American and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting.
2011: Last Appeared in Professional Baseball Game before 2018
Before his spring training game appearance in 2018, Russell Wilson last appeared in a professional baseball game in 2011.
2011: Played for Asheville Tourists
In 2011, Russell Wilson played 61 games for the Asheville Tourists, the Class A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.
2011: Transfer to Wisconsin and Minor League Baseball
In 2011, Russell Wilson transferred to the Wisconsin Badgers for college football and played minor league baseball for the Asheville Tourists.
2011: No NFL Scouting Combine Invitation
In 2011, despite efforts from his coach, Russell Wilson did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
2011: Tied Eli Manning for Fourth Quarter Touchdowns
In 2017, Wilson tied Eli Manning's 2011 record for most fourth-quarter touchdowns in a single season with 15.
January 2, 2012: 2012 Rose Bowl Performance
On January 2, 2012, in the 2012 Rose Bowl, Russell Wilson completed 19 of 25 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns, but the Wisconsin Badgers lost to the Oregon Ducks 45-38.
January 2012: Decision to Pursue NFL Career
In January 2012, Russell Wilson informed the Rockies that he would be pursuing a career in the NFL and would not report to spring training for the 2012 season.
January 16, 2012: Training for NFL Scouting Combine
On January 16, 2012, Russell Wilson began training for the NFL Scouting Combine at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
January 28, 2012: Senior Bowl Completion
On January 28, 2012, Russell Wilson completed his college football career at the 2012 Senior Bowl.
February 2012: Assessment by Chris Weinke
In February 2012, former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke commented on Russell Wilson's potential in the NFL draft, noting that his height might be a limiting factor.
April 11, 2012: Height Concerns Voiced by Jon Gruden
On April 11, 2012, ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden voiced concerns about Russell Wilson's height potentially affecting his draft position.
April 26, 2012: Hired 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: Signing with the Seahawks
On May 7, 2012, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $2.99 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
August 11, 2012: Preseason Debut
On August 11, 2012, Russell Wilson made his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans.
August 2012: Named Starting Quarterback for the Seahawks
In August 2012, Russell Wilson was named the starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks.
August 26, 2012: Named Starting Quarterback
On August 26, 2012, Russell Wilson was named the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, beating out Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson.
September 9, 2012: Regular Season Debut
On September 9, 2012, Russell Wilson made his regular season debut for the Seattle Seahawks in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
December 2012: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month
In December 2012, Russell Wilson was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month after leading the Seahawks to a 5-0 record and achieving a passer rating of 115.2.
2012: Record-Breaking Season
In 2012, Russell Wilson concluded the regular season ranking fourth in the NFL with a passer rating of 100.0. He surpassed Ben Roethlisberger's previous rookie record of 98.1 set in 2004. Wilson threw for 3,118 yards, tied Peyton Manning's rookie record of 26 touchdowns, and rushed for 489 yards with four touchdowns. His mobility led to comparisons with Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton.
2012: NFL Draft and Rookie Year
In 2012, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the NFL Draft. He tied the rookie record for most passing touchdowns and was named Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.
2012: Proceeds from camp went to Charles Ray III Diabetes Association
In 2012, proceeds from Russell Wilson's youth football camp went to the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association, for which Wilson is the National Ambassador.
December 12, 2013: Acquired by the Texas Rangers
On December 12, 2013, Russell Wilson was acquired from the Rockies by the Texas Rangers in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft.
December 27, 2013: Second Pro Bowl Selection
On December 27, 2013, Wilson was named to his second Pro Bowl.
2013: Partnered with Russell Investments for "Invested with Russell" program
In 2013, Russell 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.
2013: Pro Bowl alternate
In 2013, Wilson was selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl. He filled in for Matt Ryan and completed eight of ten passes for 98 yards and three touchdowns, achieving a 147.1 rating.
January 19, 2014: NFC Championship Win
On January 19, 2014, Wilson and the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, advancing to Super Bowl XLVIII.
September 21, 2014: Overtime Win Against Denver Broncos
On September 21, 2014, 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: Monday Night Football Rushing Record
On October 6, 2014, against the Washington Redskins, Wilson set a new Monday Night Football record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game with 122, also marking a single-game franchise record for a Seahawks quarterback.
December 21, 2014: Career-High Passing Yards
On December 21, 2014, Wilson threw for a career-high 339 yards with two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in a primetime matchup on Sunday Night Football. The Seahawks won 35-6 and regained first place in the NFC West.
2014: Attended Rangers Spring Training
In 2014, Russell Wilson attended Rangers spring training in Surprise, Arizona.
2014: Became part-owner and endorser of Eat the Ball
In 2014, Russell Wilson became part-owner and endorser of Eat the Ball, a European bread company.
2014: Partnered with Russell Investments for "Invested with Russell" program
In 2014, Russell 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: Contract Extension
On July 31, 2015, Wilson agreed to a four-year, $87.6 million contract extension with the Seahawks, becoming the second-highest-paid player in the NFL at the time.
December 22, 2015: Third Pro Bowl Selection
On December 22, 2015, Wilson was named to his third Pro Bowl.
2015: Appeared in Entourage
In 2015, Russell Wilson appeared in the film Entourage.
2015: Attended Rangers Spring Training
In 2015, Russell Wilson attended Rangers spring training in Surprise, Arizona.
2015: Endorsed Luvo and Reliant Recovery Water
In 2015, Russell Wilson began endorsing Luvo, a frozen food company, and Reliant Recovery Water.
February 29, 2016: Launched Good Man Brand clothing line
On February 29, 2016, Russell Wilson launched Good Man Brand, a clothing line he co-founded.
August 2016: Partnered with Juice Press
In August 2016, Russell Wilson partnered with Juice Press to open the company's first Seattle franchise.
August 2016: Why Not You Foundation raised $1,060,005
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.
November 14, 2016: Joined investment group for Seattle sports arena
On November 14, 2016, Russell Wilson announced he had joined an investment group to bring a new sports arena to Seattle's SoDo neighborhood for potential NBA and NHL teams.
2016: Hosted Kids' Choice Sports
In 2016, Russell Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.
2016: Keynote speaker at University of Wisconsin-Madison
In 2016, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker for the commencement address at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
2016: Career-High Passing Yards
In 2016, Wilson recorded a career-high 4,219 passing yards, along with 21 passing touchdowns, 259 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. The team finished with a 10-5-1 record and won the NFC West. They defeated the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card Round, but lost to the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Round.
2016: Pro Bowl Offensive MVP
In 2016, Wilson was drafted first overall by Team Irvin in the Pro Bowl draft. He threw eight completions on 12 attempts for 164 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions for a 149.3 rating, earning him the Pro Bowl offensive MVP award.
September 5, 2017: Seahawks Offensive Captain
On September 5, 2017, Wilson was voted Seahawks offensive captain for the fifth consecutive season.
September 8, 2017: TraceMe Launched
On September 8, 2017, TraceMe launched its public beta and announced $9 million in Series A funding with investors including Jeff Bezos' Bezos Expeditions, Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai, and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.
November 20, 2017: Invested in VICIS
On November 20, 2017, football helmet manufacturer VICIS announced a $7 million investment round which included Russell Wilson as an investor.
December 19, 2017: Fourth Pro Bowl Selection
On December 19, 2017, Wilson was named to his fourth Pro Bowl.
2017: Hosted Kids' Choice Sports
In 2017, Russell Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.
2017: Career milestone
In 2017, Russell Wilson set a career-high of 452 passing yards.
February 7, 2018: Traded to the New York Yankees
On February 7, 2018, Russell Wilson was traded from the Rangers to the New York Yankees and assigned to the Yankees' Double-A affiliate, the Trenton Thunder.
July 2018: Investor and endorser for Molecule
In July 2018, Russell Wilson became an investor and endorser for Molecule, a mattress company.
September 2018: Featured on Wheaties Box
In September 2018, Russell Wilson was announced as the next athlete to appear on the cover of the Wheaties cereal box.
2018: Named Seahawks Captain
In 2018, Wilson was named as a captain for the Seahawks.
April 16, 2019: Contract Extension with Seahawks
On April 16, 2019, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL and keeping him with the Seahawks through the 2023 season.
2019: 2019 Season Performance and Recognition
In 2019, Russell Wilson finished the season with 4,110 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, and five interceptions, along with 75 carries for 342 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. The Seahawks had an 11-5 record, making the playoffs as the NFC's #5 seed. Wilson was named to the Pro Bowl and the AP All-Pro team.
2019: Contract Extension with the Seahawks
In 2019, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, making him the highest-paid NFL player at the time.
2019: Pro Bowl Selection and NFL Top 100 Ranking
In 2019, Wilson was named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth time in his career as a replacement for Aaron Rodgers and was ranked 25th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.
January 2020: Named Chairman of NFL FLAG
In January 2020, Russell Wilson was named Chairman of NFL FLAG. The global partnership will focus on strengthening NFL FLAG domestically and expanding the league internationally.
March 2020: Donated one million meals with Food Lifeline
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: 30 Touchdowns in Four Consecutive Seasons
In 2020, Russell Wilson became the third quarterback in NFL history to throw 30 touchdowns in four consecutive seasons.
2020: 2020 Season Performance and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
In 2020, Russell Wilson finished the season with 4,212 passing yards and 40 touchdowns. He broke his own franchise record for passing touchdowns in a single season. He was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year on February 6 for his community service.
2020: Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
In 2020, Russell Wilson was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year for his philanthropy.
September 2021: Announced writing children's book Why Not You?
In September 2021, Russell Wilson and Ciara announced that they were writing a children's book called Why Not You? to help kids pursue their dreams.
October 15, 2021: Ruled Out of Week 6 Game
On October 15, 2021, Russell Wilson was ruled out for the Week 6 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to his finger injury, ending his streak of 149 consecutive starts. He was also placed on injured reserve that day.
2021: Keynote speaker at North Carolina State University
In 2021, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker for the commencement address at North Carolina State University.
March 1, 2022: Released children's book Why Not You?
On March 1, 2022, Russell Wilson and Ciara's children's book Why Not You?, co-written with JaNay Brown-Wood and published by Random House, was released and became a New York Times bestseller.
March 16, 2022: Traded to the Broncos
On March 16, 2022, Russell Wilson was traded by the Seahawks to the Broncos along with a fourth-round pick. In return, the Seahawks received two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant.
September 1, 2022: Contract Extension with the Broncos
On September 1, 2022, Russell Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension with the Denver Broncos.
2022: Bart Starr Award and Sounders Achievements
In 2022, Russell Wilson received the Bart Starr Award and saw the Seattle Sounders FC, of which he is part owner, win the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League.
2022: Keynote speaker at Dartmouth College
In 2022, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker for the commencement address at Dartmouth College.
2022: Trade to the Broncos and Contract Extension
In 2022, Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos and later signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
2022: Season Opener against the Seahawks
In the 2022 season opener, Russell Wilson played against the Seattle Seahawks, his former team. He completed 29 of 42 passes for 340 yards and one touchdown, but the Broncos lost the game 17–16.
2022: Disappointing 2022 Season with the Broncos
The 2022 season was considered a massive disappointment for Russell Wilson and the Broncos, which led to the firing of head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Wilson was sacked more than any other quarterback, and the Broncos had the league's worst scoring offense.
2023: New Head Coach and Season Start
In 2023, Russell Wilson began the season with a new head coach, Sean Payton. He achieved a milestone against the Commanders, becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for 5,000 yards and pass for 40,000 in a career. However, he started with an 0-3 record for the first time in his career.
2023: Contract with Seahawks through 2023
In 2023, Russell Wilson was under contract with the Seahawks as per his four-year, $140 million contract extension signed on April 16, 2019.
2023: Benched by Broncos
Near the end of the 2023 season, Russell Wilson was benched by the Broncos and later released in the offseason.
March 4, 2024: Broncos Announce Wilson's Release
On March 4, 2024, the Broncos announced that Russell Wilson would be released on March 13, at the start of the new league year.
March 15, 2024: Signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers
On March 15, 2024, Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the veteran's minimum ($1.2 million).
March 26, 2025: Signed with the New York Giants
On March 26, 2025, Russell Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants and was announced as their starting quarterback.
September 7, 2025: Giants Debut
On September 7, 2025, Russell Wilson made his Giants debut in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders, where he struggled in a 21–6 loss.
2025: Named to 2025 Pro Bowl and Playoff Appearance
In 2025, after helping the Steelers reach a 10-3 record, Russell Wilson was named to the 2025 Pro Bowl as a replacement, marking his tenth selection. The Steelers lost the Wild Card Round against the Baltimore Ravens.
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