Russell Wilson joins CBS Sports pregame show

Russell Wilson is moving from the football field to the broadcast booth, joining CBS Sports' Sunday pregame show. This follows a season where his passer rating dropped to a career low of 78.5.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

NEW YORK, NY - Russell Wilson, the veteran quarterback once synonymous with leading drives on the field, has accepted an offer to join CBS Sports' Sunday pregame show. This move, confirmed by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Monday, effectively places his playing career on what is described as a "pause." While facing an uncertain future in the NFL, particularly after his stint with the New York Giants, Wilson, now 37, is embarking on a new chapter in his football life.

The transition to broadcasting comes at a time when Wilson's on-field future was increasingly unclear. Reports surfaced earlier this year that he was considering an offer from the New York Jets while also exploring broadcasting opportunities. Despite having had an offer to serve as a backup quarterback in 2026, Wilson has opted for the broadcast booth. This decision signifies a significant pivot, away from the gridiron and towards analyzing the game he once played professionally.==

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A New Rhythm

Wilson's departure from actively playing football is not a sudden event, but rather a culmination of a shifting professional landscape. Throughout the latter half of 2025 and into early 2026, his role with the New York Giants became increasingly diminished.

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  • By November 2025, Wilson had been benched, with rookie Jaxson Dart taking over as the starting quarterback.

  • His position on the depth chart slipped further, with Jameis Winston also being placed ahead of him.

  • Despite these demotions, Wilson had publicly stated his desire to continue playing and to help the Giants turn their season around, expressing he was "not looking to leave the organization."

  • He was seen as a guest analyst on CBS Network during the Giants' Week 14 bye in 2025, a precursor to his current announcement.

Speculation and Reality

Reports and speculation regarding Wilson's retirement have circulated. A fact-check published in September 2025 clarified that Wilson had not announced retirement, despite earlier rumors following his demotion with the Giants. More recently, in January 2026, Wilson himself denied retirement talks, stating he was "not blinking" at such discussions and planned to play in 2026. His passer rating had reportedly fallen to a career low of 78.5 during the season, a factor that contributed to the Giants' decision to move away from him.

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Off-Field Endeavors

Beyond the gridiron, Russell Wilson has maintained a notable presence through his production company, 'Why Not You Productions'. He and his wife, Ciara, have also been active with the 'Why Not You Foundation', recently opening their third center, the first on the West Coast, in Los Angeles. These ventures highlight a long-standing commitment to off-field activities and community engagement, separate from his athletic career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Russell Wilson joining CBS Sports' pregame show?
Russell Wilson has accepted an offer to join CBS Sports' Sunday pregame show. This decision comes as his playing future in the NFL was uncertain.
Q: What does this mean for Russell Wilson's NFL career?
His playing career is described as being on a "pause." While he had an offer to be a backup quarterback in 2026, he has chosen to focus on broadcasting.
Q: When did Russell Wilson's role with the Giants change?
By November 2025, Russell Wilson had been benched by the New York Giants, with other quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston placed ahead of him on the depth chart.
Q: Has Russell Wilson retired from football?
No, Russell Wilson has not announced his retirement. He denied retirement talks in January 2026 and stated his plan to play in 2026, though his current move to broadcasting puts his playing career on hold.
Q: What are Russell Wilson's other activities?
Outside of football, Russell Wilson is involved with his production company, 'Why Not You Productions,' and his foundation, 'Why Not You Foundation,' which recently opened its third center in Los Angeles.