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. He is best known for his successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, where he earned nine Pro Bowl selections and led the team to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. Wilson is recognized as a prominent dual-threat quarterback, lauded for his ability to both pass and run effectively. Before his successful NFL career, he also played professional baseball.

Sections (4)

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

1980: Father Played for Chargers

In 1980, Russell Wilson's father 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 now a professional American football quarterback for the New York Giants.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Named Player of the Year

In 2005, as a junior at Collegiate School, Russell Wilson threw for 3,287 passing yards and 40 passing touchdowns. He 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.

2007: Redshirted at NC State

Russell Wilson redshirted during the 2007 season at NC State.

2008: Led NC State Football Team

In 2008, Russell Wilson led the NC State football team to a 4-3 record in the regular season.

2008: Played for NC State Wolfpack

In 2008, Russell Wilson played both 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.

June 9, 2010: Father's Death

On June 9, 2010, Russell Wilson's father passed away at the age of 55 due to complications from diabetes.

2010: Played for NC State Wolfpack and Tri-City Dust Devils

In 2010, Russell Wilson continued to play college football and baseball for the NC State Wolfpack, and he also played minor league baseball for the Tri-City Dust Devils.

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.

2011: Played for Asheville Tourists and Wisconsin Badgers

In 2011, Russell Wilson played minor league baseball for the Asheville Tourists as a second baseman and transferred to play football for the Wisconsin Badgers.

January 2012: Marriage to Ashton Meem

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

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.

April 2014: Divorce from Ashton Meem

In April 2014, Russell Wilson and Ashton Meem divorced.

2015: Started dating Ciara

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

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.

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.

August 2016: Wilson partners with Juice Press to open Seattle franchise

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's SoDo neighborhood for potential NBA and NHL teams.