Russell Wilson, born November 29, 1988, is a professional quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He previously played ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and two seasons with the Denver Broncos.
Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowler and led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl victory in 2014.
After a challenging stint in Denver, he was released and signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in March 2024.
Following a disappointing season, Wilson expressed his desire to return to Pittsburgh as an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
Parents
Russell’s parents are Harrison Benjamin Wilson III and Tammy Turner Wilson.
Harrison, a former football and baseball player at Dartmouth, inspired Russell with his athleticism and values before passing away in 2010 due to diabetes.
Tammy is a legal nurse consultant who played a significant role in instilling Christian values in Russell.
Both parents emphasized education and community service, influencing Russell’s philanthropic efforts through the Why Not You Foundation.
Career
Wilson began his journey in football at Richmond’s Collegiate School in Virginia, where he excelled in multiple sports, particularly football and baseball.
As a standout quarterback in high school, he showcased his athleticism and leadership skills.
He then attended North Carolina State University (NC State), where he played college football from 2008 to 2010.
During his time at NC State, Wilson set several school records and became known for his dual-threat capabilities.
In 2011, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin, where he had a stellar season, leading the Badgers to the Rose Bowl and finishing as a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Wilson was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He quickly became the starting quarterback and made an immediate impact in his rookie season.
In 2014, he led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl victory against the Denver Broncos, winning 43-8.
In that game, Wilson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, solidifying his status as a top quarterback in the league.
The following year, the Seahawks returned to the Super Bowl but lost to the New England Patriots in a dramatic finish marked by Wilson’s infamous interception at the goal line—one of the most controversial moments in Super Bowl history.
Over his tenure with Seattle, Wilson was selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times (nine in total) and consistently ranked among the league’s elite quarterbacks due to his ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws.
In March 2022, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal that included multiple draft picks and players.
