NFL Legend Russell Wilson Sends Personal Message to 49ers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Sep 11, 2026 8:07 PM ET

Russell Wilson is experiencing the NFL season from a different perspective for the first time in 15 years. The former quarterback retired from football in June after 14 seasons, closing the book on a career that included 10 Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl title and 46,966 passing yards.

Wilson did not stay away from football after announcing his retirement. He joined CBS Sports as an analyst for “The NFL Today,” replacing Matt Ryan on the Sunday pregame show. Wilson now has a front-row seat to the league as a broadcaster after spending the previous 14 seasons competing in it.

The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback was among those watching when the San Francisco 49ers faced the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia.

Former New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

San Francisco came away with a dominant 27-7 victory, and Deebo Samuel was one of the team’s biggest offensive contributors. He caught six passes for 48 yards, added a 12-yard rushing attempt and scored a 15-yard touchdown from Brock Purdy in the fourth quarter.

Samuel’s touchdown capped a 99-yard scoring drive and helped put the 49ers in complete control. Wilson responded to the moment on X with a message directed at his former NFC West rival:

“Deebo is meant to be a @49ers.”

Deebo is meant to be a @49ers
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) September 11, 2026

The touchdown was another early sign of what San Francisco hoped it would get when the team brought Samuel back this offseason. After spending the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, Samuel rejoined the 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million.

Samuel originally joined San Francisco as a second-round pick in 2019 and developed into one of the NFL’s most versatile offensive weapons. He has spent the majority of his career with the 49ers, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2021 after recording 1,405 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns.

Through his first six seasons with San Francisco, Samuel produced 279 receptions for 4,792 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns while adding 1,218 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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