Russell Wilson Retires from NFL to Join CBS’s “The NFL Today,” Accompanied by Former Bear Kyle Long

Quarterback Russell Wilson announced his retirement from the NFL in a three-minute video posted to social media on Wednesday. Two days later CBS confirmed that Wilson will become an analyst on *The NFL Today* beginning with the 2026 season. The network also revealed that former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long will join the pre-game show as an analyst, working alongside James Brown, Bill Cowher and Nate Burleson.

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Wilson was selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of NC State. He spent ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, winning Super Bowl XLVIII in the 2013 season. After the 2021 season he was traded to the Denver Broncos, where he played two “rocky” years, followed by single-season stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2024) and the New York Giants (2025). In early 2025 he considered a backup role with the New York Jets before deciding to retire.

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Kyle Long, a former Pro Bowl guard who last played in the league in 2019, has been employed by CBS since 2020 in a part-time capacity. The 2026 appointment marks his first full-time analyst role on a national NFL pre-game program.

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Wilson finished his playing career with 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdown passes and 114 interceptions. He earned ten Pro Bowl selections and is one of only seven quarterbacks to record at least 20 touchdown passes in each of his first three seasons. Wilson also holds the unique distinction of posting four consecutive seasons with at least 30 touchdown passes and fewer than 15 interceptions, and three seasons with at least 30 touchdown passes and 500 rushing yards—the most in NFL history.

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CBS Sports executive vice president Harold Bryant praised Wilson as a “winner, both on and off the field” and highlighted his preparation, leadership and Super Bowl pedigree as assets for the studio. Wilson’s own video emphasized his gratitude, describing the move as “the next chapter” and expressing that he feels “blessed to continue doing what I love most—being around the greatest game in the world.” The announcement also noted that former analyst-turned-executive Matt Ryan departed the show to become president of football for the Atlanta Falcons.

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The two source articles did not present any criticism, dissenting opinions, or opposition to Wilson’s retirement or his transition to broadcasting.

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Both sources agree that Wilson will begin his analyst duties in the 2026 season and that Kyle Long will join the same broadcast team. No contradictory details were identified; however, the exact start date within the 2026 calendar year was not specified.

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• “Throughout his career, Russell Wilson has been a winner, both on and off the field. We’re thrilled to add a Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks to our roster,” — Harold Bryant, CBS Sports EVP

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• “Russell’s preparation and leadership set him apart and we look forward to the perspective and insight he will bring to the studio straight from the field.” — Harold Bryant, CBS Sports EVP

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• “Kyle brings an infectious energy, relentless passion and deep knowledge of the game and is not shy about sharing his opinions.” — Harold Bryant, CBS Sports EVP

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• “As I enter this next chapter with CBS Sports and 'The NFL Today,' I'm so blessed to continue doing what I love most -- being around the greatest game in the world,” — Russell Wilson, former NFL quarterback

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• “I am forever grateful.” — Russell Wilson, former NFL quarterback

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The revamped analyst lineup will debut with the 2026 NFL season, offering viewers fresh perspectives from a recent Super Bowl champion and a former Pro Bowl lineman. CBS has indicated that the new team will aim to blend on-field experience with dynamic commentary, positioning *The NFL Today* for continued ratings strength in the coming years.

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