Russell Wilson, a professional NFL player, has shown no intention of retiring as of December 2024 and remains committed to continuing his career.
At 36 years old, Wilson is currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and has expressed his strong desire to extend his NFL career for several more years.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Hannah Storm, he confidently stated:
I definitely want to play another five to seven years. I think that’s always been my goal. I’ve been clear about that since the beginning. I think that’s always been my mindset, is the longevity of the game. I’ve been fortunate to be able to play 200-plus games and really not miss many. … I feel great, I feel young, I feel like I can still move around out there and make all the decisions and all the throws.
Via SI
Since joining the Steelers, his career has experienced a notable resurgence.
After a challenging stint with the Denver Broncos, where he was released in March 2024, he signed a one-year, $1.21 million contract with Pittsburgh.
Despite missing the first six games of the season due to a calf injury, he returned to lead the team to a 6-1 record as a starter, playing a significant role in their impressive 10-3 season.
Wilson’s remarkable comeback has silenced critics who once doubted his ability to regain form.
On December 9, 2024, ESPN analyst Mike Greenberg, who had previously declared Wilson’s career over, issued a public apology, admitting:
I spent this whole offseason basically saying Russell Wilson’s career is over, he’s done. I just have to acknowledge that I was dead wrong. Russell Wilson is playing great.
Via The-Sun
Looking ahead, Wilson is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season.
Given his stellar performances this season, speculation is growing that the Steelers will aim to retain him as their starting quarterback for 2025 and beyond.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Wilson is already seen as the top candidate for Pittsburgh’s quarterback position next season, with potential contract negotiations expected in the offseason.
Wilson’s unwavering focus and recent successes suggest that retirement is not on his radar.
Instead, his goals remain firmly set on leading the Steelers to further victories and pursuing additional Super Bowl titles. As he noted:
I had a goal of winning a couple more [championships]. That’s why I came here.
Via SI
While discussions about Russell Wilson’s retirement have surfaced, his statements and performance show no doubt that he plans to remain an active force in the NFL for years.
An Inside Look at Russell Wilson’s Legendary NFL Career Spanning Over a Decade
Born on November 29, 1988, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wilson began his journey in football at just four years old, playing his first organized game for the Tuckahoe Tomahawks youth football team in sixth grade.
He began his remarkable career path in sports during his college years. He started at NC State (2008–2010), where he earned recognition as the ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year and set multiple passing records.
Transferring to Wisconsin in 2011, he led the Badgers to a Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl appearance, cementing himself as a top collegiate quarterback.
Alongside football, he also pursued baseball, hitting .282 with five home runs and 30 RBIs during his collegiate career.
After being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2010, he played two seasons in the Minor Leagues before deciding to commit fully to football.
In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected him in the third round and signed him to a four-year, $2.99 million contract.
In his rookie year, he tied Peyton Manning’s record for most touchdown passes by a rookie (26) and led the Seahawks to a playoff berth.
By 2013, Wilson had guided Seattle to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory, earning the franchise its first championship with a dominant win over the Denver Broncos.
During his tenure with the Seahawks (2012–2021), Wilson led the team to eight playoff appearances, including another Super Bowl in 2014.
Furthermore, he set numerous records, including becoming the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 100 wins, and broke franchise records for passing touchdowns and yards.
In 2022, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos. Although injuries and challenges marred his time in Denver, he demonstrated resilience and managed over 3,500 passing yards in his first season.
Although his performance dipped during this period, his leadership qualities never wavered.
In March 2024, Wilson joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract, signaling a new chapter in his career.
Despite starting the season with a calf injury, he returned to the field with standout performances, including a career-highlight game with 414 passing yards.
Over his 12-year NFL career, Wilson has accumulated numerous accolades, including nine Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl championship, and the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- His father, Harrison Benjamin Wilson III, pursued a career in law, while his mother, Tammy Wilson (née Turner), held the position of nurse director.
- The Wilson family includes Russell’s younger sister, Anna, who played basketball at Stanford, and his elder brother, Harrison IV.
- He has been married to Ciara, a popular singer, since July 6, 2016, and has been a devoted husband and father to three children.
