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 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

1980: Father Played for San Diego Chargers

In 1980, Russell Wilson's father played football and baseball at Dartmouth and was a wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers preseason squad.

November 29, 1988: Russell Wilson Born

On November 29, 1988, Russell Carrington Wilson was born. He is an American football quarterback playing for the New York Giants of the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Success as Junior in High School

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

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: Played College Football for NC State

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

May 2010: Graduated from NC State

In May 2010, Russell Wilson graduated from NC State with a BA in communication, and took graduate-level business courses in the fall semester during the 2010 football season.

June 9, 2010: Father's Death

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

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. 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 2012: Marriage to Ashton Meem

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

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.

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.

April 2014: Divorce from Ashton Meem

In April 2014, Russell Wilson and Ashton Meem divorced.

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.

2015: Relationship with Ciara Begins

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

March 11, 2016: Engagement to Ciara

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

July 6, 2016: Marriage to Ciara

On July 6, 2016, Russell Wilson and Ciara were married at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England. He became a stepfather to her son from a previous relationship.

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.

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.

April 28, 2017: Birth of Elder Daughter

On April 28, 2017, Russell Wilson and Ciara's elder daughter was born.

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.

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.

July 23, 2020: Birth of Son

On July 23, 2020, Russell Wilson and Ciara's son was born.

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

October 8, 2021: Wilson Undergoes Finger Surgery

On October 8, 2021, Russell Wilson had surgery to repair a broken middle finger on his passing hand, which he injured during a game.

October 15, 2021: Wilson Ruled Out of Game, Ending Consecutive Starts Streak

On October 15, 2021, Russell Wilson was ruled out for the Week 6 game, ending his streak of 149 consecutive starts. He was placed on injured reserve that same day.

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

April 2022: Sale of Seattle Home

In April 2022, Russell Wilson and Ciara sold their home in Bellevue, Washington, for $36 million.

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.