Russell Wilson's Ups and Downs Over the Years
Russell Wilson is no stranger to headlines — both good and bad — since joining the NFL in 2012. During his eight-year stint playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson went through a divorce, tied the knot with Ciara, won a Super Bowl and became a father of kids Sienna and Win. The quarterback was later traded to the Denver Broncos in March 2022. While Wilson and Ciara’s family was on a high when she gave birth to their daughter, Amora, in December 2023, Wilson’s career took a hit that same month as he was benched for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. At the time, head coach Sean Payton told reporters the decision was made in order to help improve the team’s offense, hinting that his own job could be at risk after the losing season “I can’t replace the entire offensive line. I can’t bring in five new receivers,” he stated, according to CNN. “If it continues over a period of time, there will be another guy here talking to you, as well. These are difficult decisions.”
Russell Wilson is no stranger to headlines — both good and bad — since joining the NFL in 2012.
During his eight-year stint playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson went through a divorce, tied the knot with Ciara, won a Super Bowl and became a father of kids Sienna and Win.
The quarterback was later traded to the Denver Broncos in March 2022. While Wilson and Ciara’s family was on a high when she gave birth to their daughter, Amora, in December 2023, Wilson’s career took a hit that same month as he was benched for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season.
At the time, head coach Sean Payton told reporters the decision was made in order to help improve the team’s offense, hinting that his own job could be at risk after the losing season “I can’t replace the entire offensive line. I can’t bring in five new receivers,” he stated, according to CNN. “If it continues over a period of time, there will be another guy here talking to you, as well. These are difficult decisions.”
Scroll down to revisit Wilson’s ups and downs over the years:
2014
Wilson and his first wife, Ashton Meem, split after two years of marriage. The following year, Wilson’s former Seahawks teammate Golden Tate shut down rumors that he and Meem had an affair.
“I did not have an affair with Russell Wilson’s wife, nor did I have anything to do with his divorce. That is laughable for anyone who knows us,” Tate told The Cauldron in January 2015. “His ex-wife, Ashton, is still best friends with my girlfriend. Russell and I were good friends when I was in Seattle, on and off the field — he knows the rumors about me were unfounded, damaging to my reputation, and an attack on my character. Anyone who circulated that rumor was just plain irresponsible.”
July 2016
Us Weekly confirmed that Wilson and Ciara tied the knot in England in front of over 100 family members and friends.
April 2017
Wilson, who is a stepfather to Ciara’s son with ex Future, and Ciara welcomed daughter, Sienna. “Dear Sienna Princess Wilson, No matter how big the wave, we will always be your calm in the storm,” Ciara announced via Instagram at the time. “We Love You. Love, Mommy & Daddy. 7:03 pm 7 lbs 13 oz. 4.28.2017.”
January 2019
Ciara’s ex Future, whom she dated from 2012 to 2014, slammed Wilson for “not being a man” and stopping the singer from speaking negatively about the rapper online. “You not tellin’ her, ‘Bro, chill out with that on the internet. Don’t even talk to him. I’m your husband! You better not even bring Future’s name up!’” Future stated during a radio interview.
Wilson seemingly responded to the comment by sharing an Instagram pic of his kids, which he captioned, “All that matters. #Love.” Ciara also shared a pic of herself rocking a pair of black platform boots via Instagram, writing, “Rise Above.”
Future later clarified that he and Ciara “have no problems,” adding that he didn’t “hate” Wilson. “I don’t have nothing against [Russell] and I’m happy for them,” he stated during another radio interview.
June 2020
Reflecting on his 2014 Super Bowl, Wilson recalled experiencing racism just days after leading the Seahawks to victory against the Broncos. Wilson explained that he was told, “That’s not for you,” while standing in line at a California restaurant.
“And I said, ‘Huh? Excuse me?’ I thought he was joking at first. My back was kind of turned. I had just come off a Super Bowl and everything else, so if somebody is talking to me that way, you think about [a different] circumstance and how people talk to you,” he explained to ESPN. “In that moment, I really went back to being young and not putting my hands in my pocket and that experience. That was a heavy moment for me right there. I was like, ‘Man, this is really still real, and I’m on the West Coast. This is really real right now.’ That really pained my heart.”
Wilson responded by telling the man that he didn’t appreciate the way he talked to him. “He just kind of walked off,” he added. “But in that little glimpse, even though it didn’t turn into something, what if it did?”
July 2020
Wilson welcomed his second child with Ciara, son Win. “Happy Birthday WIN!!! Mommy & Daddy Love You!” Ciara captioned a sweet Instagram video of herself, Wilson and hospital staff singing her son “Happy Birthday” after his birth. “Win Harrison Wilson 7.23.2020 8lbs 1 oz. 
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