Early Life and Education of Russell Wilson: A Complete Timeline

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Russell Wilson

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

Russell Wilson is a prominent American football quarterback currently playing for the New York Giants. He's best known for his successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, where he earned nine Pro Bowl selections and led the team to their Super Bowl XLVIII victory. Wilson is celebrated as one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, recognized for his ability to both pass effectively and make significant plays with his running ability.

1980: Father's NFL Preseason

In 1980, Russell Wilson's father was 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 is an American professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

July 23, 2006: Committed to North Carolina State University

On July 23, 2006, Russell Wilson committed to North Carolina State University and also received a football scholarship offer from Duke University.

2007: Redshirted at NC State

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

2008: Led NC State to a Winning Record

In 2008, Russell Wilson initially split time at quarterback, but led the team to a 4-3 record in the regular season. During a win over East Carolina, Wilson threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

2008: Played football and baseball for NC State Wolfpack

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

2008: Wilson's Decision to Attend NC State

In 2008, Russell Wilson stated that while he was considering entering the MLB draft, he chose to attend NC State because he valued a college education.

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: 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.

2010: Played college baseball and minor league baseball

In 2010, Russell Wilson continued playing college football and baseball for NC State and played minor league baseball for the Tri-City Dust Devils.

January 2011: Wilson announced he would report to spring training

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 and in the season opener against UNLV, Wilson passed for 255 yards and two touchdowns in a 51–17 victory.

2011: Played college baseball and minor league baseball

In 2011, Russell Wilson played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers and played minor league baseball for the Asheville Tourists.

January 2012: Marriage to Ashton Meem

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

January 28, 2012: Completed College Career

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: Began Dating Ciara

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.

2016: Keynote Speaker at Alma Maters

In 2016, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker at the commencement address at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

April 28, 2017: Birth of Elder Daughter

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

2019: Sounders won MLS Cup

After Russell Wilson purchased his minority stake, the Seattle Sounders won the MLS Cup in 2019.

July 23, 2020: Birth of Son

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

2021: Keynote Speaker at Alma Mater

In 2021, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker at the commencement address at North Carolina State University.

April 2022: Sale of Bellevue Home

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

2022: Keynote Speaker at Dartmouth College

In 2022, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker at Dartmouth College's commencement.

December 11, 2023: Birth of Second Daughter

On December 11, 2023, Russell Wilson and Ciara's second daughter was born.

March 2025: Net Worth $283 Million

As of March 2025, Russell Wilson's net worth is estimated to be $283 million.