Russell Wilson Calling an End to NFL Career Turns Critics Into Fans – “Thanks for Everything”

Free agent QB Russell Wilson ends his NFL career after not getting interesting offers to continue playing football.

Russell Wilson Calling an End to NFL Career Turns Critics Into Fans – “Thanks for Everything”

Russell Wilson announces his retirement (Image via NFL Rumors/X)

When CBS approached Russell Wilson to be a part of their team of analysts, many understood the writing was on the wall for someone who might be headed to the Hall of Fame in a few years.

But for that to happen, he would have to retire now, as the league does not allow active players to join their partner networks. It seemed to be the best option, knowing how the New York Jets were the only place he could continue to play football.

If he were to, he would again have to play backup to his former backup, Geno Smith. After just six starts for the New York Giants, it was evident that Wilson’s time as a starter was over.

Those multiple turnover-riddled games led passionate New Yorkers to call for them to bench him. Then, when rookie Jaxson Dart managed to perform better, there was no way the 37-year-old was going to get another opportunity.

Thank You, Football. Love, #3.

Russell Wilson wrote on X

This was the Ohio native’s post that confirms he is retiring from football for good. It brings down the curtains on a 14-year career that saw him hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy back in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Russell Wilson also became one of the best community ambassadors for the league. Now, as he possibly departs for a career in sports broadcasting, he will probably continue his efforts there.

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Fans show Russell Wilson love

As soon as Russell Wilson posted his retirement message and video, fans began reacting. Unlike how they have been recently, there was no ‘hate’ from them.

The Wisconsin alum was subjected to significant trolling and criticism. But now, that has changed into ‘love’ from those same fans. They gave the quarterback his flowers and bid him best of luck for his future endeavors. Check out examples of those reactions below.

With options far and few to continue playing football, it seems Russell Wilson has made the sensible choice. Rather than being subjected to ridicule or being cast away in the corner, he preferred to end his career now before it became worse.

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Russell Wilson confirms joining CBS Sports’ pregame show

Once a star player retires or is on the verge of retiring, the top broadcasters fight to offer them a deal lucrative enough for them to join their broadcast teams.

Expect Russell Wilson to get some Sean Payton questions
Expect Russell Wilson to get some Sean Payton questions (Image via Imago)

In Russell Wilson’s case, CBS Sports was the only known entity ready to give him what he wanted to become a part of their pregame show, ‘NFL Today.’

As I enter this next chapter with CBS Sports and the ‘NFL Today,’ I’m so blessed to continue doing what I love most, being around the greatest game in the world.

Russell Wilson said in his retirement video

This means he is joining the cast of James Brown, Nate Burleson, and Bill Cowher, as Adam Schefter previously revealed. It also means that he could be analyzing his former teams, as early as Week Two.

CBS will exclusively broadcast the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos’ games that week. Rest assured, his new colleagues will try to get Wilson to say something about Sean Payton, with whom he has history.

In Weeks Three and Four, the 10-time Pro Bowler could be covering the New York Giants. Then, finally, he could be talking about the Seattle Seahawks in Week Four.

For someone who has built a legacy of being extremely media-friendly, his new career will be under the microscope and will likely be compared to that of some of his past rivals.

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