Russell Wilson's Ups and Downs Before His NFL Retirement
Russell Wilson is no stranger to headlines - both good and bad - since joining the NFL in 2012.
During his eight-year stint playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson went through a divorce, tied the knot with Ciara, won a Super Bowl and became a father of kids Sienna and Win.
The quarterback was later traded to the Denver Broncos in March 2022. While Wilson and Ciara's family was on a high when she gave birth to their daughter, Amora, in December 2023, Wilson's career took a hit that same month as he was benched for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season.
At the time, head coach Sean Payton told reporters the decision was made in order to help improve the team's offense, hinting that his own job could be at risk after the losing season "I can't replace the entire offensive line. I can't bring in five new receivers," he stated, according to CNN. "If it continues over a period of time, there will be another guy here talking to you, as well. These are difficult decisions."
Wilson bounced from the Broncos to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants before announcing his retirement in June 2026.
Scroll down to revisit Wilson's ups and downs over the years:
April 2012
Wilson was drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks during the third round, beginning his professional football career.
February 2014
Wilson won his first and only Super Bowl Championship in February 2014 as the quarterback of the Seahawks.
That same year, Wilson and his first wife, Ashton Meem, split after two years of marriage. Wilson's former Seahawks teammate Golden Tate later shut down rumors that he and Meem had an affair.
"I did not have an affair with Russell Wilson's wife, nor did I have anything to do with his divorce. That is laughable for anyone who knows us," Tate told The Cauldron in January 2015. "His ex-wife, Ashton, is still best friends with my girlfriend. Russell and I were good friends when I was in Seattle, on and off the field - he knows the rumors about me were unfounded, damaging to my reputation, and an attack on my character. Anyone who circulated that rumor was just plain irresponsible."
July 2016
Us Weekly confirmed that Wilson and Ciara tied the knot in England in front of over 100 family members and friends.
July 2020
Wilson welcomed his second child with Ciara, son Win. "Happy Birthday WIN!!! Mommy & Daddy Love You!" Ciara captioned a sweet Instagram video of herself, Wilson and hospital staff singing her son "Happy Birthday" after his birth. "Win Harrison Wilson 7.23.2020 8lbs 1 oz. ❤️ 👶🏽."
October 2022
Wilson left fans scratching their heads after he revealed he worked out for four hours during an eight-hour flight. "I was walking up and downs the aisles. Everyone was knocked out. I was doing high knees and working on my legs and everything else, making sure I was ready to rock," he told reporters ahead of a Broncos game at Wembley Stadium in England.
Fans proceeded to poke fun at the athlete's unusual workout routine via social media. "If you haven't worked with a Russell Wilson, you're the Russell Wilson," one user wrote via X (formerly Twitter), while another joked, "Russell Wilson definitely reminded the teacher when they forgot to assign homework right before the end of class."
February 2023
Wilson's charity, the Why Not You Foundation, faced scrutiny after USA Today reported that the organization was using more money on employee salaries and benefits than helping children in need. The organization and Wilson addressed the investigation at the time.
"Millions of dollars in funds raised by the Why Not You Foundation go through our partners who can deliver that money where it is needed more directly," the organization's chief financial officer, Scott Pickett, said in a statement to the outlet. "Those funds were raised, in large part, through the work of the foundation, but you would not see all of those dollars in the foundation's tax documents."
Wilson responded the controversy via Instagram not long after. "This [charity] means the world to me, has meant the world to me and will forever mean the world to me, and I just gotta say something." he began an Instagram video. "For our Why Not You Foundation, over the past eight years, we've been so freaking blessed to meet so many amazing people, so many amazing kids along the way and to be able to also partner with some amazing brands."
March 2024
Wilson was cut by the Broncos after two years ahead of the 2024 NFL season. "Broncos Country, Thank You!" he wrote via X, confirming his departure. "Over these last two years you have welcomed my family and me with open arms and have embraced us as members of the Denver community."
The quarterback continued: "This city will always hold a special place in my heart. Our family grew here, we made countless memories and friendships and formed relationships that will last a lifetime."
Wilson concluded, "Tough times don't last, but tough people do. God's got me. I am excited for what's next."
He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers one week later. Wilson ended up starting in 11 regular season games for the Steelers during the 2024-2025 season after starting during week seven.
March 2025
Following his one season with the Steelers, Wilson signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants. Wilson began the season as the Giant's starting quarterback but was benched after week four. He later filled in for Jaxon Dart following a concussion from Dart during week six before Wilson was demoted to third string to finish out the season.
June 2026
Wilson announced his NFL retirement via a social media video. "Thank You, Football. Love, #3," he captioned the clip, saying goodbye to the sport after 14 seasons in the league.
At the time, Wilson also confirmed his next steps. He shared that he will be part of the CBS Sports broadcasting team, joining The NFL Today team for the network's Sunday show.
"I'm so blessed to continue to do what I love most, being around the greatest game on earth," Wilson concluded. "Thank you football, thank you, thank you, thank you.
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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 8:08 PM.