Russell Wilson announces retirement with heartfelt farewell as Super Bowl-winning QB heads to announcer’s booth

Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson has announced his retirement after a decorated 14-year NFL career.

The 37-year-old made the announcement with a three-minute farewell video on social media.

‘I remember the moment I fell in love with football, waking up before sunrise with my dad and brother, he post routes and moon balls,’ the video began. ‘Yeah, that’s where it all began. But somewhere along the way, my love for football turned to more than just passion. It was an obsession.

‘You’ve been my joy, peace, my safe place,’ he continued. ‘You taught me discipline, faith, resilience, how to keep believing no matter the circumstances. You’ve given me purpose and opportunity, opportunity to inspire others and create change to continue to evolve the game, not just for me, but for the next generation of dollars. You’ve also given me the greatest gift of family. Every coach who believed in me, you helped shape me into the man I am today.’

Much of the video focused on his time under Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. 

‘To Coach Carroll, thanks for taking a chance,’ Wilson continued. ‘Young [5ft 11in] black kid from Richmond, Virginia, that was told he was too small to ever make it. We knew, thank you for the sacrifice. None of this is possible to every fan who supported me, to the highs and the lows, your belief, your energy, your passion meant more than you’ll ever know.’

He also thanked the city itself: ‘To Seattle, you raised me, not just all the wins and crazy loud games, but also the forever memories after we won the Super Bowl.’

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