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 highly accomplished American football quarterback, primarily known for his successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. A nine-time Pro Bowler, he led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. He is considered one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, showcasing proficiency in both passing and rushing. Before his football career, Wilson also played professional baseball.
July 23, 2006: Committed to North Carolina State University
On July 23, 2006, Russell Wilson committed to North Carolina State University.
2007: Redshirted at NC State
In 2007, Russell Wilson redshirted during the season at NC State.
2007: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles
In 2007, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles as the fifth pick in the 41st round of the MLB draft, but he chose to attend NC State instead.
2008: Knee Sprain in PapaJohns.com Bowl
During the 2008 PapaJohns.com Bowl against Rutgers, Russell Wilson suffered a knee sprain. He threw for 186 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 46 yards before halftime. NC State eventually lost the game 29-23.
2008: Joins NC State Wolfpack Baseball Team
In 2008, Russell Wilson became a member of the NC State Wolfpack baseball team.
2008: Led NC State to a 4-3 record
In 2008, Russell Wilson initially split time at quarterback before leading NC State to a 4-3 record in the regular season. The team finished on a four-game winning streak.
2008: Played football and baseball for NC State
In 2008, Russell Wilson played both college football and baseball for the NC State Wolfpack.
2009: Plays 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: Honorable mention All-ACC
In 2009, Russell Wilson was named honorable mention All-ACC. He finished the regular season with 3,027 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions as the team finished with a 5-7 record.
May 2010: Graduated from NC State
In May 2010, Russell Wilson graduated from NC State in three years with a BA in communication.
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: Played baseball for Tri-City Dust Devils
In 2010, Russell Wilson played minor league baseball for the Tri-City Dust Devils.
2010: Plays with NC State Wolfpack Baseball Team
In 2010, Russell Wilson played with the NC State Wolfpack baseball team.
January 2011: Announced reporting to spring training with the Colorado Rockies
In January 2011, Russell Wilson announced that he would report to spring training with the Colorado Rockies organization.
April 29, 2011: Granted 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: Committed to Wisconsin
On June 27, 2011, Russell Wilson committed to Wisconsin for the 2011 season.
December 2011: All-American by Yahoo! Sports
In December 2011, Russell Wilson was named a third team All-American by Yahoo! Sports, and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting with 52 points.
2011: Plays for Asheville Tourists
During the summer of 2011, Russell Wilson played for the Asheville Tourists, a Class A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.
2011: Played baseball for Asheville Tourists and transferred to Wisconsin Badgers
In 2011, Russell Wilson played minor league baseball for the Asheville Tourists. He also transferred to the Wisconsin Badgers, where he set the single-season FBS record for passer rating and led them to a Big Ten title and the 2012 Rose Bowl.
2011: Failed to receive NFL Combine invitation
In 2011, despite efforts from NC State coaches, Russell Wilson did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
January 2, 2012: Played in the Rose Bowl
On January 2, 2012, Russell Wilson played in the 2012 Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks. He had 19 pass completions on 25 attempts for 296 yards, 18 rushing yards, and three touchdowns, but the Badgers lost 45-38.
January 2012: Focus on NFL Career
In January 2012, Russell Wilson informed the Colorado Rockies that he would pursue a career in the NFL and would not report to spring training.
January 16, 2012: Began training for the 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: Completed college career at Senior Bowl
On January 28, 2012, Russell Wilson completed his college football career at the 2012 Senior Bowl.
February 2012: Chris Weinke comments on Wilson's height
In February 2012, former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke said of Russell Wilson, "If he was 6–5, he'd probably be the No. 1 pick in the draft."
April 11, 2012: Jon Gruden comments on Wilson's height
On April 11, 2012, ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden commented that the only issue with Russell Wilson is his height, suggesting it might be why he isn't picked in the first couple rounds of the NFL draft.
April 26, 2012: Hiring of 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 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 26, 2012: Named starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks
On August 26, 2012, Russell Wilson was named the starting quarterback 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.
November 10, 2012: Consecutive pass attempts record broken
On November 10, 2012, Russell Wilson's record of 379 consecutive pass attempts without an interception was broken by Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron.
December 2012: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month
In December 2012, Russell Wilson earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors after the Seahawks went 5-0 and he had a passer rating of 115.2.
2012: Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks
In 2012, Russell Wilson was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round (75th overall) of the NFL draft. He tied the rookie record for most passing touchdowns and was named Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year. He led the Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowl appearances over the next two seasons, winning Super Bowl XLVIII and losing Super Bowl XLIX.
2012: Proceeds from Youth Camp
In 2012, proceeds from Wilson's Russell Wilson Passing Academy went to the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association, for which Wilson is the National Ambassador.
December 12, 2013: Acquired by Texas Rangers
On December 12, 2013, Russell Wilson was acquired from the Colorado Rockies by the Texas Rangers in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft.
2013: "Invested with Russell" Program Partnership
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.
September 21, 2014: Wilson leads Seahawks to Overtime Win
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 Super Bowl rematch.
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 with 122 yards against the Washington Redskins.
December 21, 2014: Wilson Throws Career-High 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. The Seahawks snapped the Cardinals' seven-game home winning streak and regained first place in the NFC West.
2014: Part-ownership of Eat the Ball
In 2014, Russell Wilson became part-owner and endorser of Eat the Ball, a European bread company.
2014: "Invested with Russell" Program Partnership
In 2014, Wilson continued partnering with Russell Investments for its "Invested with Russell" program, which donated $3,000 to Wilson's charitable foundation for every touchdown he scored.
2015: Appearance in Entourage and hosting Kids' Choice Sports
In 2015, Russell Wilson appeared in the film Entourage and hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.
2015: Endorsement of Luvo and Reliant Recovery Water
In 2015, Russell Wilson began endorsing Luvo, a frozen food company, and Reliant Recovery Water.
February 29, 2016: Launch of 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 Raised Funds for Seattle Children's Hospital
In August 2016, Wilson's Why Not You Foundation raised $1,060,005 for the Seattle Children's Hospital's Strong Against Cancer initiative.
August 2016: Partnership 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: Joining Investment Group for Seattle Sports Arena
On November 14, 2016, Russell Wilson announced he had joined an investment group working to bring a new sports arena to Seattle for potential NBA and NHL teams.
2016: Hosting Kids' Choice Sports
In 2016, Russell 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.
September 8, 2017: Public Beta Launch of TraceMe
On September 8, 2017, Russell Wilson's fan network platform, TraceMe, launched its public beta and announced $9 million in Series A funding.
November 20, 2017: Investment in VICIS Football Helmet Manufacturer
On November 20, 2017, VICIS, a football helmet manufacturer, announced a $7 million investment round which included Russell Wilson as an investor.
2017: Hosting Kids' Choice Sports
In 2017, Russell Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.
February 7, 2018: Trade to the New York Yankees
On February 7, 2018, Russell Wilson was traded from the Rangers to the New York Yankees and assigned to their Double-A affiliate, the Trenton Thunder, fulfilling his promise to his late father to wear the Yankees uniform.
July 2018: Investment and Endorsement for Molecule
In July 2018, Russell Wilson became an investor and endorser for Molecule, a mattress company.
September 2018: Appearance on Wheaties Cereal Box Cover
In September 2018, Russell Wilson was announced as the next athlete to appear on the cover of the Wheaties cereal box.
April 16, 2019: Signs Contract Extension with Seahawks
On April 16, 2019, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, securing his place with the team through the 2023 season and making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time.
2019: Sounders won MLS Cup
After Russell Wilson purchased his minority stake in the Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer (MLS), the Sounders won MLS Cup in 2019.
2019: Signed contract extension with the 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.
2019: 2019 Season Performance and Recognition
In the 2019 season, Russell Wilson recorded 4,110 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, and five interceptions, along with 342 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. The Seahawks finished with an 11–5 record and made the playoffs as the NFC's #5 seed. Wilson was named to the Pro Bowl and the AP All-Pro team as second-team quarterback.
January 2020: Named Chairman of NFL FLAG
In January 2020, Russell Wilson was named Chairman of NFL FLAG to strengthen domestically and expand the league internationally.
March 2020: Donation of One Million Meals During COVID-19 Pandemic
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.
October 1, 2020: Named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September
On October 1, 2020, Russell Wilson was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for his outstanding performance throughout September.
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.
2020: Ranked 2nd in NFL Top 100 Players of 2020
In 2020, Russell Wilson was ranked 2nd on the NFL Top 100 Players list, which was the highest ranking of his career at that point.
2020: 2020 Season Performance and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
In the 2020 season, Russell Wilson passed for 4,212 yards and 40 touchdowns. He broke his own franchise record for passing touchdowns in a single season. On February 6, Wilson was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his community service.
September 2021: Announcement of 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 Game, Injured Reserve
On October 15, 2021, Russell Wilson was ruled out for the Week 6 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a finger injury, ending his streak of 149 consecutive starts. He was then placed on injured reserve.
2021: Ranked 12th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021
In 2021, Russell Wilson was ranked 12th on the NFL Top 100 Players list, marking his third-highest ranking at that point in his career.
March 1, 2022: Release of "Why Not You?" Children's Book
On March 1, 2022, the children's book "Why Not You?", co-written by Russell Wilson, Ciara, and JaNay Brown-Wood, was released and became a New York Times bestseller.
March 16, 2022: Traded to the Broncos
On March 16, 2022, the Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for multiple draft picks and players including Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant.
September 1, 2022: Signs Contract Extension with Broncos
On September 1, 2022, Russell Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension with the Denver Broncos.
2022: Season Opener against Seahawks
During the 2022 season opener, Russell Wilson played against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, completing 29 of 42 passes for 340 yards and one touchdown, but the Broncos lost 17–16.
2022: Received Bart Starr Award
In 2022, Russell Wilson was the recipient of the Bart Starr Award.
2022: Traded to the Broncos and signed extension
In 2022, Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos and later signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
2022: Ranked 61st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022
Russell Wilson was ranked 61st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.
2022: Disappointing 2022 Season with Broncos
Russell Wilson's 2022 season was considered a disappointment, with 3,524 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The Broncos had the league's worst scoring offense, leading to the firing of head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Wilson was sacked more than any other quarterback.
2023: New Head Coach and 0-3 Start
In the 2023 season, Russell Wilson had Sean Payton as his new head coach. However, he started 0-3 for the first time in his career.
2023: Benched near the end of the season
Near the end of the 2023 season, Russell Wilson was benched while playing for the Broncos.
2023: Contract Extension Through 2023 Season
Russell Wilson's contract extension signed on April 16, 2019, ensured he would remain with the Seattle Seahawks through the 2023 season.
March 4, 2024: Broncos Announce Wilson Will Be Released
On March 4, 2024, the Denver Broncos announced that Russell Wilson would be released on March 13, marking the start of the new league year.
March 15, 2024: Signs with Pittsburgh Steelers
On March 15, 2024, Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the veteran's minimum of $1.2 million.
2024: Signed with the Steelers
In 2024, Russell Wilson was released by the Broncos and signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, earning his tenth Pro Bowl selection.
March 26, 2025: Signs with New York Giants
On March 26, 2025, Russell Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants and was named the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
September 7, 2025: Giants Debut
On September 7, 2025, Russell Wilson made his debut for the New York Giants in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders, struggling in a 21–6 loss.
2025: 2025 Pro Bowl Selection and Playoff Appearance
In 2025, Russell Wilson was named to the Pro Bowl as a replacement, marking his tenth selection. He also made his first playoff appearance in four seasons, losing in the Wild Card Round to the Baltimore Ravens.
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