Net Worth Ranker
What Is Russell Wilson’s Net Worth?
Russell Wilson, a prominent figure in American professional football, has cultivated a substantial net worth estimated at $165 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful NFL career, encompassing lucrative contracts, endorsements, and strategic business ventures. His journey began with the Seattle Seahawks (2012-2021) and continued with the Denver Broncos before moving on to other opportunities.
Russell Wilson’s Career Earnings and Contract Details
Wilson’s ascent in the NFL has been marked by significant contracts that reflect his value as a quarterback. During his time with the Seattle Seahawks, his earnings steadily increased. For example, in his final two seasons with the Seahawks, Wilson earned $35 million per year, highlighting his established presence in the league. On July 31, 2015, Wilson signed a four-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks valued at $87.6 million, which included a $31 million signing bonus and $60 million in guaranteed money. This contract significantly boosted his annual income, with his base salary escalating to $12.34 million for the 2016 season, $12.6 million for 2017, $15.5 million for 2018, and $17 million for 2019.
Further solidifying his financial portfolio, on April 16, 2019, Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks inked a four-year $140 million contract extension. This deal, inclusive of a $65 million signing bonus, was, at the time, the richest in NFL history. It guaranteed Wilson a total of $107 million. These figures underscore the financial impact of his peak performance years in Seattle. Upon his acquisition by the Denver Broncos before the 2022 season, Russell’s existing contract with the Seahawks was carried over. This arrangement entitled him to $24 million for the 2022 season and $27 million for the 2023 season. Notably, in September 2022, Wilson and the Broncos finalized a five-year, $242.5 million contract extension, underscoring his continued significance in the NFL.
However, his tenure with the Broncos was shorter than anticipated, as he was released in March 2024 after playing just 30 games over two seasons. Despite this, the Broncos remain obligated to pay Wilson $39 million for the 2024 season. This payout can be reduced by any salary Wilson earns from another team. Teams may be incentivized to sign him for the veteran league minimum of $1.21 million, with the Broncos covering the difference. The Broncos’ decision to cut Wilson resulted in an $80 million dead cap hit, the largest in NFL history, leading to widespread discussion about the contract’s implications.
Cumulatively, Russell Wilson’s NFL earnings surpass $238.3 million in salary alone, illustrating the financial rewards of his successful career. Between June 2018 and June 2019, Wilson earned $90 million from his various endeavors, highlighting the potential for additional income through endorsements and business ventures.
Russell Wilson’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 29, 1988, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Russell Wilson’s journey to NFL stardom began in Richmond, Virginia. He started playing football with his father and brother before starting kindergarten. Throughout high school, he distinguished himself as a football player, earning multiple all-district, all-region, and all-state honors, as well as being named Conference Player of the Year. His athletic prowess was recognized early, as he was featured in “Sports Illustrated” during his senior year. His high school success laid the foundation for his future achievements in both football and baseball.
In addition to his football achievements, Russell Wilson was drafted into Major League Baseball straight out of high school by the Baltimore Orioles as the fifth pick in the 41st round of the 2007 MLB draft, technically the 1,222nd overall pick. He played minor league baseball for the Tri-City Dust Devils in 2010 and the Asheville Tourists in 2011 as a second baseman. This early exposure to professional sports provided him with invaluable experience and insights into the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels. Wilson turned down the contract and opted to attend North Carolina State. He later transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he spent one more year.
In 2011, during his time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wilson set the FBS record for passing efficiency (191.8) in a single season and led the team to a Big Ten title and the 2012 Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks. Despite losing the bowl game, his performance solidified his reputation as a top quarterback prospect. Entering the 2012 NFL draft, Russell Wilson was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round as the 75th pick overall. His transition to the NFL marked the beginning of a highly successful career, characterized by numerous accolades and achievements.
Russell Wilson’s NFL Career Milestones and Achievements
Russell Wilson’s NFL career is highlighted by numerous achievements that have contributed to his financial success and overall net worth. He was named Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year and PFF Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. He was also ranked #51 on the NFL Top 100 of 2013, and was a 2012 Pro Bowl selection. At the XLIX Super Bowl, Wilson and the Seahawks almost repeated as champions but were defeated 28-24 by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Wilson has been named to seven Pro Bowls and has started in two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XLVIII.
One of the defining moments of his career was leading the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, solidifying his status as a top-tier quarterback. Throughout his tenure with the Seahawks, he consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and performance, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and setting numerous franchise records. He holds the record for most wins by an NFL quarterback through seven seasons (75) and is one of two quarterbacks in NFL history with a career passer rating over 100.
Despite his success, his time with the Denver Broncos was marked by challenges, leading to his release in March 2024. The financial implications of his contract with the Broncos, including the significant dead cap hit, have been widely discussed in the sports media. As of April 2025, Wilson’s future in the NFL remains uncertain, but his past achievements and financial success have established him as a prominent figure in the league.
Russell Wilson’s Endorsements and Business Ventures
In addition to his NFL earnings, Russell Wilson has significantly increased his net worth through various endorsements and business ventures. Details about the specific companies or dollar amount of endorsements that Wilson has been a part of has not been disclosed. His marketability has allowed him to partner with numerous brands, further enhancing his financial portfolio.
Wilson is the National Ambassador of the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association. In 2012, the proceeds from his youth football camp were donated to this foundation. He also co-hosts an annual charity golf tournament with NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne at the Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Washington, which is east of Seattle. Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation presented a check for slightly more than $1 million to Seattle Children’s Hospital in 2016 for its Strong Against Cancer program. In 2022, Wilson and Ciara donated $500,000 to nonprofit organizations in Colorado. Wilson and Ciara wrote a children’s book, “Why Not You?” to help kids pursue their dreams. It was released in March 2022 and was a New York Times bestseller.
Russell Wilson’s Real Estate Investments
Russell Wilson’s real estate portfolio has played a significant role in his overall financial strategy. In 2015, Wilson paid $6.7 million for a waterfront mansion in Bellevue, Washington. The mansion sits on Lake Washington and had been on the market since 2010. It was built in 2008. The two-story, 10,700-square-foot home has seven bedrooms and 6.75 bathrooms and sits on two-thirds of an acre of property with views of Lake Washington, downtown Seattle, and nearby mountain ranges. It comes with five fireplaces, a wine cellar, skylights, and a walk-in pantry. In April 2022, Russell listed this home for sale for $28 million. He sold this property in April 2024 for $21.15 million. They also sold the undeveloped lot next door for $5 million.
Around the same time he listed the Bellevue mansion, Russell and Ciara paid $25 million for a mansion in the Denver area. The purchase set a record for the most expensive home sold in Denver. The 20,000-square-foot home has four bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, an indoor pool, a game room, a home theater.
Russell Wilson’s Personal Life and Philanthropy
Russell Wilson’s personal life and philanthropic endeavors reflect his values and commitment to making a positive impact. He met Ashton Meem while they were both in high school in Richmond, Virginia. She was also a star athlete in high school, and went to the University of Georgia when he enrolled at North Carolina State. When Wilson transferred to Wisconsin in 2010, she followed him there. The couple got married in January 2012, a few months before he was drafted by the Seahawks. A month after being drafted, Russell signed a 4-year, $3 million contract with the Seahawks. Unfortunately, Ashton and Russell divorced in April 2014. In July 2015, Russell signed a 4-year, $88 million extension with the Seahawks. A month later he paid $6.7 million for a mansion in Bellvue, Washington.
In early 2015, Wilson began dating singer Ciara. They pledged to be celibate until they got married. They announced their engagement in mid-March 2016. They got married at a castle in England on July 6, 2016. On April 28, 2017, their daughter was born. Ciara also has a son from a previous relationship. Wilson and Ciara announced in January 2020 that they were expecting their second child together. Wilson was very active in the Seattle philanthropic community. He visited the Seattle Children’s Hospital weekly on his days off during the NFL season. During the offseason, he puts on the Russell Wilson Passing Academy, a youth football camp. He’s also visited with soldiers at a local military base.
