Russell Wilson is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He previously spent 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he led them to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and earned nine Pro Bowl selections. Wilson also played two seasons for the Denver Broncos. He's widely considered one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, known for his ability to both pass and run effectively.
1980: Russell Wilson's Father's Football Career
Russell Wilson's father was part of the San Diego Chargers preseason squad in 1980.
November 29, 1988: Birth of Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson was born on November 29, 1988.
2005: High School Football Success
Wilson excelled in high school football in 2005, earning all-district, all-region, and all-state honors.
July 23, 2006: Commitment to NC State
Wilson committed to playing football at North Carolina State University on July 23, 2006.
2007: Redshirt Season at NC State
Wilson redshirted during the 2007 season at NC State.
2008: College Football at NC State
Russell Wilson began playing college football and baseball for NC State in 2008.
2008: Starting Quarterback at NC State
Wilson became the starting quarterback at NC State in 2008.
2008: PapaJohns.com Bowl and All-ACC Honors
Wilson played in the 2008 PapaJohns.com Bowl and was named first-team All-ACC quarterback.
2009: Honorable Mention All-ACC
Wilson was named honorable mention All-ACC in 2009.
May 2010: Graduation from NC State
Wilson graduated from NC State with a BA in communication in May 2010.
June 9, 2010: Death of Russell Wilson's Father
Russell Wilson's father passed away due to complications from diabetes on June 9, 2010.
2010: Transfer to Wisconsin Badgers
In 2010, Wilson played minor league baseball and continued college athletics at NC State.
January 2011: Spring Training with Colorado Rockies
Wilson participated in spring training with the Colorado Rockies in January 2011.
April 29, 2011: Release from NC State Football Scholarship
Wilson was released from his football scholarship at NC State on April 29, 2011.
June 27, 2011: Wilson Commits to Wisconsin
On June 27, 2011, Russell Wilson committed to play football at the University of Wisconsin for the upcoming season.
December 2011: Wilson Leads Wisconsin to Big Ten Championship Victory and Earns All-American Honors
In December 2011, Russell Wilson led the Wisconsin Badgers to a victory in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game, earning the game's MVP award. He was also named a third-team All-American and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting.
2011: Transfer to Wisconsin and Minor League Baseball
Wilson transferred to the Wisconsin Badgers for football in 2011 and also played minor league baseball.
2011: No NFL Combine Invitation
Wilson did not receive an invitation to the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine.
January 2, 2012: Wilson Plays in Rose Bowl
On January 2, 2012, Russell Wilson played his final college game in the Rose Bowl, where Wisconsin lost to Oregon. Despite the loss, Wilson put up impressive numbers, throwing for 296 yards and two touchdowns, and adding another touchdown on the ground.
January 2012: Marriage to Ashton Meem
Russell Wilson married Ashton Meem in January 2012.
January 28, 2012: Wilson Completes College Career at Senior Bowl
Russell Wilson concluded his college football career by participating in the 2012 Senior Bowl on January 28, 2012.
February 2012: Wilson's Height Questioned by Scouts
In February 2012, despite his talent, some scouts questioned Wilson's potential due to his height, as noted by Chris Weinke, director of the IMG Madden Football Academy.
April 11, 2012: Gruden Highlights Height Concerns about Wilson
On April 11, 2012, ESPN analyst Jon Gruden also commented on Wilson's height as a potential reason for him not being a top pick in the NFL Draft.
May 7, 2012: Wilson Drafted by Seahawks
On May 7, 2012, Russell Wilson signed a four-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks after being drafted in the third round, despite the team's recent signing of Matt Flynn.
August 11, 2012: Wilson Makes Preseason Debut
Russell Wilson made his NFL preseason debut on August 11, 2012, against the Tennessee Titans.
August 26, 2012: Wilson Named Seahawks' Starting Quarterback
On August 26, 2012, Russell Wilson was named the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback for the regular season, beating out Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson.
September 9, 2012: Wilson Makes Regular Season Debut
Russell Wilson made his regular season debut on September 9, 2012, in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
November 10, 2012: NCAA Record Broken
Wilson's NCAA record for consecutive pass attempts without an interception was broken on November 10, 2012.
December 2012: Wilson Earns Rookie of the Month Honors
Russell Wilson's strong performance in December 2012 earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors, capping off a successful first season.
2012: Wilson Sets Rookie Records and Draws Tarkenton Comparisons
In 2012, Russell Wilson finished his rookie season with impressive stats, ranking fourth in passer rating and tying Peyton Manning's rookie record for touchdown passes. His mobility and playmaking ability drew comparisons to Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton.
2012: Philanthropic Activities and Passing Academy
In 2012, Russell Wilson began his philanthropic activities, including weekly visits to Seattle Children's Hospital, hosting youth football camps, and supporting the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association.
December 27, 2013: Wilson Named to Second Pro Bowl
On December 27, 2013, Russell Wilson was selected for his second Pro Bowl appearance following a successful season leading the Seahawks to a 13-3 record and the top seed in the NFC playoffs.
2013: Mentioned in Eminem Song
In 2013, rapper Eminem mentioned Russell Wilson in his song "The Monster."
2013: Partnership with Russell Investments
In 2013, Russell Wilson started a partnership with Russell Investments to support his charitable foundation.
2013: Wilson Plays in Pro Bowl
In 2013, Russell Wilson participated in his first Pro Bowl as an alternate, replacing Matt Ryan. He showcased his skills with a strong performance, throwing three touchdowns.
2013: Wilson Receives Performance Bonus and NFL Top 100 Recognition
At the end of the 2013 season, Russell Wilson received a performance-based bonus and was ranked 51st on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
April 2014: Divorce from Ashton Meem
Russell Wilson and Ashton Meem divorced in April 2014.
2014: Continued Partnership with Russell Investments
Russell Wilson's partnership with Russell Investments to donate to his foundation continued in 2014.
2015: Media Appearances and Film Debut
In 2015, Russell Wilson appeared on various talk shows such as Late Show with David Letterman and made his film debut in "Entourage." He also began hosting the Kids' Choice Sports awards.
2015: Relationship with Ciara Begins
Russell Wilson began dating Ciara in early 2015.
March 11, 2016: Engagement to Ciara
Russell Wilson and Ciara announced their engagement on March 11, 2016.
August 2016: Charity Golf Event and Donation
In August 2016, the Why Not You Foundation, founded by Russell Wilson, raised over $1 million for Seattle Children's Hospital.
October 2016: Net Worth Reported
Russell Wilson's net worth was reported as $120 million in October 2016.
2016: Commencement Speaker
In 2016, Russell Wilson delivered the commencement address at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
2016: Kids' Choice Sports Host
Russell Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports awards in 2016.
April 28, 2017: Birth of Daughter
Russell Wilson and Ciara's first daughter was born on April 28, 2017.
2017: Kids' Choice Sports Host
Russell Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports awards in 2017.
September 2018: Wheaties Cereal Box Cover Athlete
In September 2018, Russell Wilson was featured on the cover of the Wheaties cereal box.
2019: Record Contract Extension
Wilson signed a lucrative contract extension with the Seahawks in 2019, making him the highest-paid player at the time.
2019: Seattle Sounders FC Part Owner
Wilson became part-owner of Seattle Sounders FC in 2019.
January 2020: NFL FLAG Chairman and Amazon Studios Deal
In January 2020, Russell Wilson was appointed Chairman of NFL FLAG and focused on expanding the league globally. He and Ciara also secured a first-look deal with Amazon Studios.
March 2020: Food Lifeline Donation
During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Russell Wilson and Ciara donated one million meals through Food Lifeline.
July 23, 2020: Birth of Son
Russell Wilson and Ciara's son was born on July 23, 2020.
2020: 30 Touchdowns in Four Consecutive Seasons
Wilson achieved the milestone of throwing 30 touchdowns in four straight seasons in 2020.
2020: Walter Payton Man of the Year
Wilson received the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2020 for his philanthropic efforts.
September 2021: Children's Book Announcement
In September 2021, Russell Wilson and Ciara announced that they were writing a children's book, "Why Not You?".
2021: Commencement Speaker
In 2021, Russell Wilson gave the commencement address at his other alma mater, North Carolina State University.
March 1, 2022: "Why Not You?" Book Release
"Why Not You?" by Russell Wilson and Ciara was released on March 1, 2022, and became a New York Times bestseller.
2022: Commencement Speaker
Russell Wilson was the commencement speaker at Dartmouth College in 2022.
2022: Trade to Denver Broncos
Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022.
2022: Bart Starr Award Recipient
Wilson received the Bart Starr Award in 2022.
December 11, 2023: Birth of Second Daughter
Russell Wilson and Ciara's second daughter was born on December 11, 2023.
2023: Release from Broncos and Signing with Steelers
After a disappointing season with the Broncos in 2023, Wilson was released and subsequently signed with the Steelers.