History of Russell Wilson in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Russell Wilson

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.

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

2004: Ben Roethlisberger's Rookie Record

In 2004, Ben Roethlisberger set a rookie record for passer rating at 98.1, which was later surpassed by Russell Wilson in 2012.

2004: Patriots Return to Super Bowl

In 2004, the New England Patriots became the first defending champion to return to the Super Bowl since themselves.

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.

2005: Patriots' Playoff Victory

In 2005, the New England Patriots became the first defending Super Bowl Champion to win a playoff game since themselves.

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.

2008: Played in PapaJohns.com Bowl

In 2008, during the PapaJohns.com Bowl against Rutgers, Russell Wilson suffered a knee sprain, and the team lost 29-23.

2009: Named to Pre-Season All-ACC Football Team

Prior to the 2009 season, Russell Wilson was named quarterback of the pre-season all-ACC football team on July 12.

May 2010: Graduated from NC State

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

June 8, 2010: Wilson drafted by the Colorado Rockies

On June 8, 2010, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round (140th pick overall) of the 2010 MLB draft.

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.

January 2011: Reported to Spring Training with Rockies

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.

December 2011: Wins MVP at Big Ten Championship

In December 2011, Russell Wilson was named the Grange-Griffin MVP after leading the Badgers to a 42-39 win over the Michigan State Spartans in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game.

2011: Eli Manning's Touchdown Record

In 2011, Eli Manning set the record for the most fourth-quarter touchdowns in a single season, which Russell Wilson tied in 2017.

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.

2011: Failed to Receive NFL Combine Invitation

In 2011, despite efforts by NC State coaches, Russell Wilson did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.

January 2, 2012: Played in the Rose Bowl

On January 2, 2012, Russell Wilson played in the Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks, losing 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 IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

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.

February 2012: Weinke Comments on Wilson

In February 2012, former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke said of Russell Wilson, "If he was 6-5, he'd probably be the No. 1 pick in the draft."

April 11, 2012: Gruden Comments on Wilson's Height

On April 11, 2012, ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden commented on Russell Wilson, mentioning that his height may be the reason he's not picked in the first couple rounds.

Loading Video...

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 the Seahawks

On May 7, 2012, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $2.99 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

August 11, 2012: Preseason Debut

On August 11, 2012, Russell Wilson made his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans.

August 26, 2012: Named Starting Quarterback

On August 26, 2012, Russell Wilson was named the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks' first regular season game.

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: Record Broken by Colby Cameron

On November 10, 2012, Russell Wilson's record was broken by Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron

December 2012: Earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month

In December 2012, Russell Wilson earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors.

2012: Record-Breaking Rookie Season

In 2012, Russell Wilson concluded the regular season with the fourth-highest passer rating in the NFL at 100.0, surpassing Ben Roethlisberger's rookie record from 2004. He matched Peyton Manning's rookie record for touchdown passes with 26 and added 489 rushing yards with four touchdowns, drawing comparisons to Fran Tarkenton due to his mobility.

2012: Russell Wilson Passing Academy

In 2012, Russell Wilson hosted the Russell Wilson Passing Academy, a youth football camp, with proceeds going to the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association, for which Wilson is the National Ambassador.

2012: Drafted by Seattle Seahawks

In 2012, Russell Wilson was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round (75th overall) of the NFL draft.

December 27, 2013: Second Pro Bowl Selection

On December 27, 2013, Russell Wilson was named to his second Pro Bowl.

2013: Performance-Based Pay Bonus and NFL Top 100 Ranking

At the end of the 2013 season, Russell Wilson received a $222,000 bonus through the NFL's Performance-Based Pay program. He was also ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.

2013: Performance-Based Pay Bonus

During the 2013 season, Russell Wilson earned a bonus of $169,141.73 through the NFL's Performance-Based Pay program.

2013: Invested with Russell Program

In 2013, Russell 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.

2013: Mentioned in "The Monster"

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

Loading Video...

2013: Pro Bowl Alternate

In 2013, Russell Wilson was selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl, filling in for Matt Ryan. During the Pro Bowl game on January 27, he completed eight of ten passes for 98 yards and three touchdowns, achieving a 147.1 rating.

January 19, 2014: NFC Championship Victory

On January 19, 2014, Russell Wilson and the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship with a score of 23-17, advancing to Super Bowl XLVIII.

April 2014: Divorce from Ashton Meem

In April 2014, Russell Wilson and Ashton Meem divorced.

September 21, 2014: Overtime Victory Against the Broncos

On September 21, 2014, Russell Wilson led the Seahawks on an 80-yard touchdown drive in overtime to secure a 26-20 victory against the Denver Broncos in a Super Bowl XLVIII rematch during Week 3.

October 6, 2014: 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 against the Washington Redskins. This also marked a single-game franchise record for a Seahawks quarterback.

December 21, 2014: Career-High Passing Yards and Franchise Record

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 Seahawks offense to gain a franchise-record 596 yards in the game.

2014: Invested with Russell Program

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.

2014: NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2014, Russell Wilson was ranked 20th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

July 31, 2015: Contract Extension

On July 31, 2015, the Seahawks and Russell Wilson agreed to a four-year, $87.6 million contract extension, making him the second-highest-paid player in the NFL at the time.

December 22, 2015: Third Pro Bowl Selection

On December 22, 2015, Russell Wilson was named to his third Pro Bowl.

2015: TV and Film Appearances

In 2015, Russell Wilson appeared in the film Entourage and on Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Charlie Rose. He also hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.

Loading Video...

2015: NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2015, Russell Wilson was ranked 22nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

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: 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 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.

2016: Solid Season Despite Injuries

Despite injuries, Russell Wilson started all 16 games in the 2016 season, recording a career-high 4,219 passing yards and 21 passing touchdowns. However, he had a career-worst game with five interceptions in Week 14 against the Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks finished with a 10-5-1 record and won the NFC West.

2016: Ankle and Knee Injuries

During the 2016 season, Russell Wilson sustained two minor injuries: an ankle injury in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins and a left knee injury in Week 3 against the 49ers, which hampered his mobility.

2016: Dak Prescott's Passer Rating Record

In 2016, Dak Prescott achieved a passer rating of 104.9.

2016: Hosted Kids' Choice Sports

In 2016, Russell Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.

2016: Keynote Speaker at Wisconsin

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

2016: Pro Bowl Offensive MVP

In the 2016 Pro Bowl, Russell Wilson was drafted first overall by Team Irvin and was named the Pro Bowl offensive MVP after completing eight of 12 passes for 164 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, resulting in a 149.3 rating.

2016: NFL Top 100 Ranking

Russell Wilson was ranked 17th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

April 28, 2017: Birth of Elder Daughter

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

Others born on this day/year

September 5, 2017: Offensive Captain

On September 5, 2017, Russell Wilson was voted Seahawks offensive captain for the fifth consecutive season.

September 8, 2017: TraceMe Public Beta Launch

On September 8, 2017, Russell Wilson's fan network platform, TraceMe, launched its public beta and announced $9 million in Series A funding, with investors including Jeff Bezos' Bezos Expeditions, Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai, and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.

November 20, 2017: Investment in VICIS

On November 20, 2017, Russell Wilson was included as an investor in a $7 million investment round for VICIS, a football helmet manufacturer.

December 19, 2017: Fourth Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Russell Wilson was named to his fourth Pro Bowl.

December 21, 2017: Seahawks Fined for Concussion Protocol Violation

On December 21, 2017, the Seahawks were fined $100,000 for failing to properly apply the concussion protocol after a hit Russell Wilson sustained during Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals.

2017: Hosted Kids' Choice Sports

In 2017, Russell Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.

2017: NFL Top 100 Ranking

Russell Wilson was ranked 24th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

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 the Yankees' Double-A affiliate, the Trenton Thunder. He grew up as a Yankees fan.

June 2018: MLB Franchise Effort

In June 2018, Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara, announced their involvement in an effort to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to Portland, Oregon.

July 2018: Molecule Investment and Endorsement

In July 2018, Russell Wilson became an investor and endorser for Molecule, a mattress company.

September 2018: Wheaties Cereal Box Cover

In September 2018, Russell Wilson was announced as the next athlete to appear on the cover of the Wheaties cereal box.

2018: Named Captain for Seahawks

In 2018, Russell Wilson was once again named as a captain for the Seahawks.

2018: NFL Top 100 Ranking

Russell Wilson was ranked 11th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

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 Seattle Seahawks, making him the highest paid player in the NFL at that time. The contract kept him with the Seahawks through the 2023 season.

August 2019: Seattle Sounders FC Ownership

In August 2019, Russell Wilson and Ciara joined the ownership group of Seattle Sounders FC, a Major League Soccer club. The Sounders won the 2019 MLS Cup, giving Wilson an MLS Cup to his name as part owner.

2019: Sounders Win 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.

2019: Sixth Pro Bowl Selection

In 2019, Russell Wilson was named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth time in his career, replacing Aaron Rodgers.

January 2020: Chairman of NFL FLAG

In January 2020, Russell Wilson was named Chairman of NFL FLAG, focusing on strengthening the league domestically and expanding it internationally. He also worked with flag football organizations in China, Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Around the same time, Wilson and Ciara struck a first look deal with Amazon Studios.

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.

Others born on this day/year

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 outstanding performance in September.

2020: Threw 30 Touchdowns for 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: Announcement of Children's Book

In September 2021, Russell Wilson and Ciara announced that they were writing a children's book called Why Not You? to help kids pursue their dreams.

2021: Keynote Speaker at NC State

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

March 1, 2022: Release of Children's Book

On March 1, 2022, Why Not You?, the children's book co-written by Russell Wilson, Ciara, and JaNay Brown-Wood and published by Random House, was released and became a New York Times bestseller.

March 16, 2022: Wilson traded to the Broncos

On March 16, 2022, Russell Wilson was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos, along with a fourth-round pick, in exchange for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant.

April 2022: Sale of Bellevue 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.

July 2022: Donation to Colorado Nonprofits

In July 2022, Russell Wilson and Ciara pledged to donate $500,000 to nonprofit organizations in Colorado.

September 1, 2022: Wilson signs contract extension with the Broncos

On September 1, 2022, Russell Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million contract extension with the Denver Broncos.

2022: Keynote Speaker at Dartmouth College

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

2022: Received the Bart Starr Award

In 2022, Russell Wilson was the recipient of the Bart Starr Award.

2022: Traded to the Broncos

In 2022, Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos and later signed a five-year, $245 million extension.

December 11, 2023: Birth of Second Daughter

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

Others born on this day/year

2023: Benched Near End of Season

Near the end of the 2023 season, Russell Wilson was benched by the Broncos.

March 15, 2024: Wilson signs with Pittsburgh Steelers

On March 15, 2024, Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the veteran's minimum of $1.2 million. He was later named the starting quarterback before being ruled out due to a calf injury sustained during practice on September 5.

March 2025: Net Worth

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

March 26, 2025: Wilson signs with New York Giants

On March 26, 2025, Russell Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants. The team announced that Wilson would be their starting quarterback to open the regular season, despite signing Jameis Winston and drafting Jaxson Dart.