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NFL Star Russell Wilson Urged to Retire After Giants’ Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 9:54 AM ET

Russell Wilson has had an incredible 14-year NFL career. The former third-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks has been to 10 Pro Bowls and is a Super Bowl champion. In his career, Wilson has thrown for 46,921 yards and 353 touchdowns with 114 interceptions.

Since being traded away from the Seahawks after the 2021 season, Wilson's career has been on somewhat of a decline. He spent two years with the Denver Broncos and had what looked to be a resurgent season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.

He began this season as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants. However, after he and the team struggled through the first three games, head coach Brian Daboll went in a different direction.

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3).© Peter Casey-Imagn Images

With the team sitting at 0-3, Daboll turned to Jaxson Dart, a rookie first-round pick. Dart won his first career start against the Los Angeles Chargers last week before falling to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

With Dart playing well, it is unlikely that Wilson will get another start this season, barring injury. Because of this, people around the league began to ask whether the 36-year-old Wilson should stay in the league or if it is time for him to retire.

This includes former NFL defensive end and current ESPN analyst Marcus Spears, who was asked if Wilson should hang up the cleats.

"Yeah, Russell gotta go," Spears said, according to TMZ Sports.

Wilson has struggled in his appearances so far this year. He has completed 59.5% of his passes for 786 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions. In the offseason, Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Giants, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

As for his replacement, who is under contract for the next four years, in his two starts, Dart has completed 65% of his passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns with a pair of interceptions. He also has run for 109 yards and one score on the ground.

While Wilson remains the Giants' backup quarterback for now, it remains to be seen when, or if, he will retire.

New York has a short turnaround before facing the defending world champion Philadelphia Eagles on "Thursday Night Football" at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

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

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