It’s fair to say the last few seasons haven’t unfolded the way Russell Wilson envisioned, but that doesn’t mean he’s prepared to step away from the NFL.
Wilson signed with the New York Giants during the offseason with hopes of jump-starting his career following underwhelming stints with the Denver Broncos and the Pittsburgh Steelers. That plan didn’t quite come to fruition, though, as Wilson spent the majority of the season watching from the sidelines.
After making just three starts for the team in 2026 and spending most of the year as the Giants’ third-string quarterback, speculation quickly grew that the 37-year-old signal-caller might call it a career. However, retirement does not appear to be on the table.
While Wilson’s time with the Steelers is nearing its conclusion, the veteran quarterback made it clear he has no intention of walking away from football altogether, even if recent seasons haven’t gone as hoped.
“Yeah, I’m not blinking,” Wilson said this week via ESPN. “I know what I’m capable of. I think I showed that in Dallas. I want to do that again and just be ready to rock and roll and be as healthy as possible and be able to play ball.”
Although Wilson still believes he can be a starting quarterback, he’s also willing to accept a backup role if that’s what’s needed.
“My hope is just to have the ball in my hands and help a team win,” Wilson said. “Try to do everything I can to help an organization get to the finish line. That is my focus.
“My love for the game and what I know I’m capable of when I’m healthy and can move the way I know I can move and do all that stuff, I know what I’m capable of. I’m just excited. Focusing on the next several weeks. I have my game plan together, know what I’m going to do to get ready and mentally train, physically train and all those things. I got great confidence.”
Needless to say, this led to a lot of reactions on social media.
“Where does buddy think he’s going to go?” one fan wrote in a post on X.
“I don’t think Russell Wilson has a lot left in him,” someone else added.
“As a Seahawks fan, I’ll always love what you brought to the team and city, Russ, but time to move on. A few years too late honestly,” another person wrote.
“Just hang it up bro,” someone else added.
“More power to him. If someone is willing to pay him, he should do what he wants,” another person wrote.
We’ll have to see what comes next for Wilson, but it’s clear that he will not be retiring.
About Dave Kelsey
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