Early Life and Education of Russell Wilson: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Russell Wilson. A timeline of key moments.

Russell Wilson is a celebrated American football quarterback, primarily known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, he led the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, securing the franchise's first championship. Wilson is highly regarded as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the sport, known for his ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs.

Sections (4)

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

1980: Father's NFL Preseason

In 1980, Russell Wilson's father played as a wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers preseason squad.

November 29, 1988: Russell Wilson's Birth

On November 29, 1988, Russell Carrington Wilson was born. He would later become an American professional football quarterback, primarily playing for the Seattle Seahawks.

Others born on this day/year

2005: All-Star Junior Season

In 2005, as a junior at Collegiate School, Russell Wilson threw for 3,287 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, rushed for 634 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns. He was named an all-district, all-region, and all-state player and the Richmond Times-Dispatch Player of the Year.

July 23, 2006: Commitment to NC State University

On July 23, 2006, Russell Wilson committed to North Carolina State University.

2007: Redshirt Season at NC State

In 2007, Russell Wilson redshirted during his season at NC State.

2008: College Football and Baseball for NC State Wolfpack

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

2008: Leads NC State to Winning Streak

In 2008, Russell Wilson split time at quarterback, eventually leading the NC State Wolfpack to a 4-3 record and a four-game winning streak.

May 2010: Graduation from NC State

In May 2010, Russell Wilson graduated from NC State in three years with a BA in communication.

June 9, 2010: Death of Wilson's Father

On June 9, 2010, Russell Wilson's father died at age 55 due to complications from diabetes. This was the day after Wilson was drafted by the Rockies.

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. Following this, he led the Badgers to a 6-0 start and was named first team All-Big Ten.

2011: Transfer to Wisconsin Badgers and Minor League Baseball

In 2011, Russell Wilson transferred to the Wisconsin Badgers for college football, where he set the single-season FBS record for passer rating and led them to a Big Ten title and the 2012 Rose Bowl. He also played minor league baseball for the Asheville Tourists.

January 2012: Wilson marries Ashton Meem

In January 2012, Russell Wilson married Ashton Meem, whom he met in high school.

January 28, 2012: Completes College Career at Senior Bowl

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

2012: Wilson supports Charles Ray III Diabetes Association

In 2012, Russell Wilson was the National Ambassador for the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association, with proceeds from his youth football camp going to the association.

2013: Wilson partners with Russell Investments

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

2013: Eminem mentions Wilson in "The Monster"

In 2013, Russell Wilson was mentioned by rapper Eminem in his song "The Monster".

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April 2014: Wilson divorces Ashton Meem

In April 2014, Russell Wilson and Ashton Meem divorced.

2014: Wilson Becomes Part-Owner of Eat the Ball

In 2014, Russell Wilson became part-owner and endorser of Eat the Ball, a European bread company, expanding his business ventures.

2014: Wilson continues partnership with Russell Investments

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

2015: Wilson Endorses Luvo and Reliant Recovery Water

In 2015, Russell Wilson began endorsing Luvo, a frozen food company, and Reliant Recovery Water, adding to his portfolio of endorsements.

2015: Wilson begins dating Ciara

In early 2015, Russell Wilson began dating American R&B singer Ciara.

February 29, 2016: Wilson Launches Good Man Brand

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

March 11, 2016: Wilson and Ciara announce engagement

On March 11, 2016, Russell Wilson and Ciara announced their engagement.

July 6, 2016: Wilson marries Ciara

On July 6, 2016, Russell Wilson married Ciara at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England.

August 2016: Wilson's foundation raises funds for Seattle Children's Hospital

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, marking his entry into the health and wellness business sector.

October 2016: Wilson's Net Worth

In October 2016, Russell Wilson's net worth was reported to be $120 million.

November 14, 2016: Wilson Joins Investment Group for Seattle 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's SoDo neighborhood for potential NBA and NHL teams, furthering his involvement in the Seattle community and sports landscape.