History of Russell Wilson in Timeline
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.
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.
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: Led NC State to 4-3 Record
In 2008, Russell Wilson led the NC State Wolfpack to a 4-3 record in the regular season, ending with a four-game winning streak.
2008: Played College Football for NC State
In 2008, Russell Wilson played college football and baseball for the NC State Wolfpack.
2008: Played in PapaJohns.com Bowl
In 2008, Russell Wilson played in the PapaJohns.com Bowl against Rutgers, where he suffered a knee sprain. Over the season, he completed 150 of 275 attempts for 1,955 yards and 17 touchdowns with just one interception, earning first-team All-ACC quarterback honors.
2009: Named to pre-season All-ACC team
Prior to the 2009 season, Russell Wilson was named quarterback of the pre-season all-ACC football team on July 12. Wilson finished the 2009 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 with a BA in communication, and took graduate-level business courses in the fall semester during the 2010 football season.
June 8, 2010: Wilson Drafted by Colorado Rockies
On June 8, 2010, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the MLB draft.
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 Baseball for Tri-City Dust Devils
In 2010, Russell Wilson played minor league baseball for the Tri-City Dust Devils as a second baseman.
January 2011: Announced Intent to Report to Rockies Spring Training
In January 2011, Russell Wilson announced that he would report to spring training with the Colorado Rockies organization, causing reservations from NC State head coach Tom O'Brien.
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.
December 2011: Won Grange-Griffin MVP
In December 2011, during the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game, Russell Wilson threw for three touchdowns and led the Badgers to a 42–39 win over the Michigan State Spartans, earning him the game's Grange-Griffin MVP. He was also named a third team All-American by Yahoo! Sports, and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting with 52 points.
2011: Failed to Receive NFL Scouting Combine Invitation
In 2011, Russell Wilson failed to receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, despite efforts from O'Brien and his staff to reach out to NFL coaches and general managers on his behalf.
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 2, 2012: Played in 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 (two passing, one rushing) as the Badgers lost by a score of 45–38.
January 2012: Marriage to Ashton Meem
In January 2012, Russell Wilson married Ashton Meem, whom he had met in high school.
January 16, 2012: Began Training for NFL Scouting Combine
On January 16, 2012, Russell Wilson began training for the NFL Scouting Combine at the IMG Madden Football Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
January 28, 2012: Completed College Football Career at Senior Bowl
On January 28, 2012, Russell Wilson completed his college football career at the 2012 Senior Bowl.
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 and that might be the reason he's not picked in the first couple rounds of the NFL draft.
April 26, 2012: Wilson Chooses 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 Seahawks
On May 7, 2012, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $2.99 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
August 11, 2012: Preseason Debut Against Tennessee Titans
On August 11, 2012, Russell Wilson made his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans.
August 26, 2012: Named Starting Quarterback for Seahawks
On August 26, 2012, Russell Wilson was named the starting quarterback for the first regular season game 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 for consecutive pass attempts without an interception was broken by Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron.
December 2012: Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month
In December 2012, Russell Wilson was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month after the Seahawks went 5–0 and he had a passer rating of 115.2.
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.
December 27, 2013: Named to Second Pro Bowl
On December 27, 2013, Russell Wilson was named to his second Pro Bowl, adding to his growing list of achievements in the NFL.
2013: Mention in Eminem's "The Monster"
In 2013, Russell Wilson was mentioned by Rapper Eminem in his song "The Monster".
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.
January 19, 2014: Seahawks Advance to Super Bowl XLVIII
On January 19, 2014, Russell Wilson and the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, advancing to Super Bowl XLVIII.
April 2014: Divorce from Ashton Meem
In April 2014, Russell Wilson and Ashton Meem divorced.
September 21, 2014: Seahawks Defeat Broncos in Super Bowl Rematch
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 Week 3 rematch of the previous season's Super Bowl.
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 in a single game with 122 yards, also marking a single-game franchise record for a Seahawks quarterback.
December 21, 2014: Wilson Throws for Career-High 339 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, leading the offense in gaining 596 yards and setting a franchise record.
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.
July 31, 2015: Wilson Agrees to Contract Extension with Seahawks
On July 31, 2015, Russell Wilson agreed to a four-year, $87.6 million contract extension with the Seahawks, making him the second-highest-paid player in the NFL at the time.
December 22, 2015: Named to Third Pro Bowl
On December 22, 2015, Russell Wilson was named to his third Pro Bowl, adding to his growing list of achievements in the NFL.
2015: Appearances and Hosting
In 2015, Wilson appeared in the film Entourage and hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.
2015: Relationship with Ciara Begins
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.
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.
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.
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 for potential NBA and NHL teams.
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.
2016: Appearances and Hosting
In 2016, Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.
April 28, 2017: Birth of Elder Daughter
On April 28, 2017, Russell Wilson and Ciara's elder daughter was born.
September 5, 2017: Wilson Voted Seahawks Offensive Captain
On September 5, 2017, Russell Wilson was voted Seahawks offensive captain for the fifth consecutive season, showcasing his leadership within the team.
September 8, 2017: TraceMe Public Beta Launch
On September 8, 2017, Russell Wilson's fan network platform, TraceMe, launched its public beta, simultaneously announcing $9 million in Series A funding from investors like Jeff Bezos' Bezos Expeditions, Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai, and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.
November 20, 2017: Wilson Invests in VICIS
On November 20, 2017, Russell Wilson was among the investors announced in a $7 million investment round for VICIS, a manufacturer of football helmets.
December 19, 2017: Named to Fourth Pro Bowl
On December 19, 2017, Russell Wilson was named to his fourth Pro Bowl, recognizing his outstanding performance during the season.
December 21, 2017: Seahawks Fined for Concussion Protocol Violation
On December 21, 2017, the Seahawks were fined $100,000 for failure to properly apply the concussion protocol on a hit Wilson sustained during the Week 10 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
2017: Appearances and Hosting
In 2017, Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.
February 7, 2018: Wilson Traded to the New York Yankees
On February 7, 2018, Russell Wilson was traded from the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees and assigned to their Double-A affiliate, the Trenton Thunder.
July 2018: Wilson Becomes Molecule Investor
In July 2018, Russell Wilson invested in and became an endorser for Molecule, a mattress company.
September 2018: Wheaties Cereal Box Cover
In September 2018, Russell Wilson was announced as the next athlete to be featured on the cover of a Wheaties cereal box.
April 16, 2019: Wilson Signs Contract Extension with Seahawks
On April 16, 2019, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Seahawks, making him the highest paid player in the NFL.
2019: Sounders Won MLS Cup
After Russell Wilson purchased his minority stake, the Seattle Sounders FC won the MLS Cup in 2019.
2019: Signed Contract Extension with 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.
January 2020: Chairman of NFL FLAG
In January 2020, Russell Wilson was appointed Chairman of NFL FLAG. The global partnership will focus on strengthening NFL FLAG domestically and expanding the league internationally.
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.
October 1, 2020: Wilson Named NFC Offensive Player of the Month
On October 1, 2020, Russell Wilson was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for his performance in 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.
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.
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.
March 16, 2022: Wilson Traded to the Broncos
On March 16, 2022, the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Broncos for multiple draft picks, Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant.
April 2022: Sale of Seattle Home
In April 2022, Russell Wilson and Ciara sold their home in Bellevue, Washington, for $36 million.
September 1, 2022: Wilson Signs Contract Extension with Broncos
On September 1, 2022, Russell Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension with the Broncos.
2022: Keynote Speaker at Dartmouth College
In 2022, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker at Dartmouth College's commencement.
2022: Recipient of 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 Broncos and later signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
March 2023: Wilson Underwent Knee Surgery
In March 2023, it was revealed that Russell Wilson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee during the offseason.
December 11, 2023: Birth of Second Daughter
On December 11, 2023, Russell Wilson and Ciara's second daughter was born.
2023: Benched and Released by the Broncos
Near the end of the 2023 season, Russell Wilson was benched by the Broncos. He was released in the offseason and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
March 4, 2024: Broncos Announce Wilson's Release
On March 4, 2024, the Broncos announced that Russell Wilson would be released on March 13, at the start of the new league year.
March 15, 2024: Wilson Signs with the Steelers
On March 15, 2024, Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the veteran's minimum ($1.2 million).
March 2025: Net Worth
As of March 2025, Russell Wilson's net worth is $283 million.
March 26, 2025: Wilson Signs with the New York Giants
On March 26, 2025, Russell Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants.
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