History of Russell Wilson in Timeline
Russell Wilson is a celebrated American football quarterback, primarily known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, he led the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, securing the franchise's first championship. Wilson is highly regarded as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the sport, known for his ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs.
1980: Father's NFL Preseason
In 1980, Russell Wilson's father played as 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 would later become an American professional football quarterback, primarily playing for the Seattle Seahawks.
1998: Drew Brees Sets Passing Record
In 1998, Drew Brees set the record for most passing touchdowns at Purdue with 39, ahead of Russell Wilson's record of 33 in a single season at Wisconsin.
2004: Ben Roethlisberger's Rookie Record
In 2004, Ben Roethlisberger set a rookie record with a passer rating of 98.1.
2004: The Patriots returned to the Super Bowl
The Seahawks became the first defending champion to return to the Super Bowl since the 2004 Patriots.
2005: First Defending Super Bowl Champion to Win a Playoff Game since 2005 Patriots
During the Divisional Round, Russell Wilson lead the Seahawks to a 31-17 home win over the Carolina Panthers. This made the Seahawks the first defending Super Bowl Champion to win a playoff game since the 2005 Patriots
2005: All-Star Junior Season
In 2005, as a junior at Collegiate School, Russell Wilson threw for 3,287 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, rushed for 634 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns. He was named an all-district, all-region, and all-state player and the Richmond Times-Dispatch Player of the Year.
July 23, 2006: Commitment to NC State University
On July 23, 2006, Russell Wilson committed to North Carolina State University.
2007: Redshirt Season at NC State
In 2007, Russell Wilson redshirted during his season at NC State.
2008: College Football and Baseball for NC State Wolfpack
In 2008, Russell Wilson played college football and baseball for the NC State Wolfpack.
2008: Leads NC State to Winning Streak
In 2008, Russell Wilson split time at quarterback, eventually leading the NC State Wolfpack to a 4-3 record and a four-game winning streak.
2008: PapaJohns.com Bowl Injury
In the 2008 PapaJohns.com Bowl against Rutgers, Russell Wilson threw for 186 yards and rushed for 46 yards before suffering a knee sprain.
2009: All-ACC Honorable Mention
In 2009, Russell Wilson was named honorable mention All-ACC. He finished the season with 3,027 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
May 2010: Graduation from NC State
In May 2010, Russell Wilson graduated from NC State in three years with a BA in communication.
June 8, 2010: Wilson Drafted by 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, marking a significant step in his baseball career.
June 9, 2010: Death of Wilson's Father
On June 9, 2010, Russell Wilson's father died at age 55 due to complications from diabetes. This was the day after Wilson was drafted by the Rockies.
2010: Plays Minor League Baseball and College Football
In 2010, Russell Wilson played minor league baseball for the Tri-City Dust Devils and also played college football for the NC State Wolfpack.
January 2011: Reports to Spring Training with Colorado Rockies
In January 2011, Russell Wilson announced he would report to spring training with the Colorado Rockies organization, causing reservations from his NC State head coach.
April 29, 2011: 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: Commitment to Wisconsin
On June 27, 2011, Russell Wilson committed to Wisconsin for the 2011 season. Following this, he led the Badgers to a 6-0 start and was named first team All-Big Ten.
December 2011: Big Ten Championship and All-American Honors
In December 2011, Russell Wilson led the Badgers to a 42-39 win over Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game and was named the game's MVP. He was also named a third-team All-American and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting.
2011: Transfer to Wisconsin Badgers and Minor League Baseball
In 2011, Russell Wilson transferred to the Wisconsin Badgers for college football, where he set the single-season FBS record for passer rating and led them to a Big Ten title and the 2012 Rose Bowl. He also played minor league baseball for the Asheville Tourists.
2011: NFL Combine Snub
In 2011, despite efforts by NC State coaches, Russell Wilson did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
2011: Eli Manning matches the most fourth quarter touchdowns in a single season
In a Week 12 win over the San Francisco 49ers, Russell Wilson tied Eli Manning's record from 2011 for the most fourth-quarter touchdowns in a single season, with 15 touchdowns.
January 2, 2012: 2012 Rose Bowl
On January 2, 2012, Russell Wilson played in the 2012 Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks, losing 45-38. Wilson had 19 pass completions on 25 attempts for 296 yards, 18 rushing yards, and three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing).
January 2012: Wilson marries Ashton Meem
In January 2012, Russell Wilson married Ashton Meem, whom he met in high school.
January 16, 2012: NFL Combine Training
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: Completes College Career at Senior Bowl
On January 28, 2012, Russell Wilson completed his college football career at the 2012 Senior Bowl.
February 2012: Weinke on Wilson's Draft Potential
In February 2012, former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke commented that if Russell Wilson was 6'5", he would likely be the No. 1 pick in the draft.
April 11, 2012: Gruden on Wilson's Height
On April 11, 2012, ESPN analyst Jon Gruden noted that Russell Wilson's height might prevent him from being a first-round pick in 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 to manage his growing brand and endorsements.
May 7, 2012: Signs with Seattle 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 2012: Wilson Named Starting Quarterback
In August 2012, Russell Wilson was named the starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks, marking a significant milestone in his NFL career.
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 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
November 10, 2012: Consecutive Pass Record Broken
On November 10, 2012, Russell Wilson's record of 379 consecutive pass attempts without an interception was broken by Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron.
December 2012: Offensive Rookie of the Month
In December 2012, Russell Wilson earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors after leading the Seahawks to a 5-0 record with a passer rating of 115.2.
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 of 26 touchdowns and displayed impressive rushing abilities.
2012: Drafted by Seattle Seahawks and Super Bowl Appearance
In 2012, Russell Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the NFL draft. He led the Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XLVIII and losing Super Bowl XLIX after an interception.
2012: Wilson supports Charles Ray III Diabetes Association
In 2012, Russell Wilson was the National Ambassador for the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association, with proceeds from his youth football camp going to the association.
December 27, 2013: Named to Second Pro Bowl
On December 27, 2013, Russell Wilson was named to his second Pro Bowl.
2013: NFL 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. Additionally, he was ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.
2013: Wilson partners with Russell Investments
In 2013, Russell Wilson partnered with Russell Investments for its "Invested with Russell" program, donating $3,000 to his charitable foundation for every touchdown he scored.
2013: Eminem mentions Wilson in "The Monster"
In 2013, Russell Wilson was mentioned by rapper Eminem in his song "The Monster".
2013: Pro Bowl alternate
In 2013, Russell Wilson was selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl, stepping in for Matt Ryan. During the Pro Bowl game in Hawaii on January 27, Wilson showcased his skills by completing eight of ten passes for 98 yards and three touchdowns.
2013: Performance Based Pay Bonus
Russell Wilson earned a bonus of $169,141.73 for the 2013 season through the NFL's Performance-Based Pay program.
January 19, 2014: NFC Championship Victory
On January 19, 2014, Russell Wilson and the Seahawks triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship with a score of 23–17, securing their spot in Super Bowl XLVIII.
April 2014: Wilson divorces Ashton Meem
In April 2014, Russell Wilson and Ashton Meem divorced.
September 21, 2014: Overtime Victory Against the Denver Broncos
On September 21, 2014, Russell Wilson led the Seahawks to an 80-yard touchdown drive in overtime, resulting in a 26–20 victory against the Denver Broncos in a Week 3 rematch of the previous season's Super Bowl.
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, also marking a single-game franchise record for a Seahawks quarterback, against the Washington Redskins.
December 21, 2014: Career High Passing Yards
On December 21, 2014, in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, Russell Wilson had a career-high 339 passing yards. Also the Seahawks won 35-6 and regained first place in the NFC West.
2014: Wilson Becomes Part-Owner of Eat the Ball
In 2014, Russell Wilson became part-owner and endorser of Eat the Ball, a European bread company, expanding his business ventures.
2014: Wilson continues partnership with Russell Investments
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
Russell Wilson was ranked 20th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.
July 31, 2015: Contract Extension with the Seahawks
On July 31, 2015, Russell Wilson and the Seahawks reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension worth $87.6 million, 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.
2015: Wilson appears in Entourage and hosts Kids' Choice Sports
In 2015, Russell Wilson appeared in the film Entourage and hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.
2015: Wilson Endorses Luvo and Reliant Recovery Water
In 2015, Russell Wilson began endorsing Luvo, a frozen food company, and Reliant Recovery Water, adding to his portfolio of endorsements.
2015: NFL Top 100 Ranking
In 2015, Russell Wilson was ranked 22nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.
2015: Wilson begins dating Ciara
In early 2015, Russell Wilson began dating American R&B singer Ciara.
February 29, 2016: Wilson Launches Good Man Brand
On February 29, 2016, Russell Wilson launched Good Man Brand, a clothing line which he co-founded, expanding his interests beyond sports.
March 11, 2016: Wilson and Ciara announce engagement
On March 11, 2016, Russell Wilson and Ciara announced their engagement.
August 2016: Wilson's foundation raises funds for Seattle Children's Hospital
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, marking his entry into the health and wellness business sector.
October 2016: Wilson's Net Worth
In October 2016, Russell Wilson's net worth was reported to be $120 million.
November 14, 2016: Wilson Joins Investment Group for Seattle 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, furthering his involvement in the Seattle community and sports landscape.
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, impacting his mobility.
2016: Seahawks' season
During the 2016 season, Wilson recorded a career-high 4,219 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 259 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. The team finished with a 10–5–1 record and won the NFC West.
2016: Dak Prescott's Rookie Record
In 2016, Dak Prescott broke the rookie record for passer rating with a rating of 104.9
2016: Wilson hosts Kids' Choice Sports
In 2016, Russell Wilson hosted the Kids' Choice Sports on Nickelodeon.
2016: Pro Bowl Offensive MVP
In 2016, Russell Wilson was drafted first overall by Team Irvin in the Pro Bowl draft. In the game, he completed eight of 12 passes for 164 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, earning a 149.3 rating and being named the Pro Bowl offensive MVP.
2016: Wilson gives commencement address at Wisconsin
In 2016, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker for the commencement address at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
2016: NFL Top 100 Ranking
Russell Wilson was ranked 17th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.
April 28, 2017: Wilson's elder daughter is born
On April 28, 2017, Russell Wilson and Ciara's elder daughter was born.
September 5, 2017: Voted Seahawks Offensive Captain
On September 5, 2017, Russell Wilson was voted as the Seahawks offensive captain for the fifth consecutive season.
September 8, 2017: TraceMe Launches Public Beta
On September 8, 2017, TraceMe, the fan network platform founded by Russell Wilson, 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: Wilson invests in VICIS
On November 20, 2017, Russell Wilson was part of an investment round in VICIS, a football helmet manufacturer, contributing to their $7 million funding.
December 19, 2017: Named to Fourth Pro Bowl
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 sustained by Russell Wilson during Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals.
2017: Wilson hosts 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.
July 2018: Wilson invests in Molecule
In July 2018, Russell Wilson invested in and became an endorser for Molecule, a mattress company.
September 2018: Wilson on Wheaties Box
In September 2018, Russell Wilson was announced as the next athlete to appear on the cover of the Wheaties cereal box.
2018: Named Seahawks Captain
In 2018, Russell Wilson was named as a captain for the Seahawks going into the season.
2018: NFL Top 100 Ranking
In 2018, Russell Wilson was ranked 11th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players.
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, securing his place with the team through the 2023 season and making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time.
2019: Sounders Win MLS Cup
After Russell Wilson purchased his minority stake, the Seattle Sounders won MLS Cup 2019
2019: Contract Extension with Seahawks
In 2019, Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Seahawks, becoming the highest-paid NFL player at the time.
2019: Named to Pro Bowl
In 2019, Russell Wilson was named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth time in his career, replacing Aaron Rodgers.
January 2020: Wilson Named 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.
March 2020: Wilson and Ciara donate meals during pandemic
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: Wilson's son is born
On July 23, 2020, Russell Wilson and Ciara's son was born.
2020: 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: Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
In 2020, Russell Wilson was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year for his philanthropy.
September 2021: Wilson and Ciara announce children's book
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.
2021: Wilson gives commencement address at North Carolina State University
In 2021, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker for the commencement address at North Carolina State University.
March 1, 2022: Why Not You? Book Release
On March 1, 2022, Russell Wilson and Ciara released their children's book Why Not You?, co-written with JaNay Brown-Wood. It became a New York Times bestseller.
March 16, 2022: Wilson Traded to the Broncos
On March 16, 2022, the Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos 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: Wilson sells home in Bellevue, WA
In April 2022, Russell Wilson and Ciara sold their home in Bellevue, Washington for $36 million.
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: Bart Starr Award and CONCACAF Champions League Win
In 2022, Russell Wilson received the Bart Starr Award. His team, the Seattle Sounders FC, also won the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League.
2022: Wilson gives commencement address at Dartmouth College
In 2022, Russell Wilson was the keynote speaker at Dartmouth College's commencement.
2022: Traded to Broncos and Signs Extension
In 2022, Russell Wilson was traded to the Broncos and later signed a five-year, $245 million extension with the team.
December 11, 2023: Wilson's second daughter is born
On December 11, 2023, Russell Wilson and Ciara's second daughter was born.
2023: Benched and Released by Broncos
Near the end of the 2023 season, Russell Wilson was benched by the Broncos and then released in the offseason.
March 4, 2024: Broncos Announce Wilson's Release
On March 4, 2024, the Denver Broncos announced that Russell Wilson would be released on March 13, marking the start of the new league year.
March 15, 2024: Wilson Signs with the 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.
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