Russell Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 14 seasons. The quarterback, who led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, will join CBS Sports as an analyst.
Wilson's career was defined by overcoming doubts about his height (5ft 11in) and race, as Black quarterbacks faced scepticism from scouts. Drafted 75th overall in 2012, he quickly became the Seahawks' starter, impressing teammates and reporters alike with his early performances.
His second season saw Seattle dominate, culminating in a Super Bowl win over Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos. However, a controversial goal-line interception in the following year's Super Bowl against the New England Patriots fractured team morale, and the Seahawks never regained their peak.
Wilson later struggled with the Denver Broncos after a 2022 trade, leading to a record $85m dead cap hit upon his release. Mediocre stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants followed, tarnishing his legacy. Despite this, his achievements spark debate over his Hall of Fame credentials.
