Russell Wilson continues giving back to Pittsburgh after NFL retirement

Jun 23, 2026, 4:39 AM CUT

Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) before the game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson, who retired this offseason and has moved into a broadcast role with CBS’ The NFL Today, continues to support community programs through his Why Not You Foundation. A big part of that work had been tied to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania.

As reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Matthew Purucker, the foundation's commitment to the area isn't slowing down anytime soon.

“Western Pennsylvania holds a special place in the hearts of everyone on the foundation, including Russell and Ciara,” said WNYF executive director Janelle Hahn on June 21. “It no longer depends necessarily on where we live or work. We want to keep building those sustainable partnerships.”

According to Steelers Now, Wilson originally started the Why Not You Foundation in 2014, and it has been active across several cities since then.

The scope of their philanthropic reach is massive; the foundation donated more than $6.78 million in 2025 across all of its global and domestic partner organizations.

NFL, American Football Herren, USA New York Giants at New England Patriots Dec 1, 2025 Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson 3 warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Foxborough Gillette Stadium Massachusetts USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDavidxButlerxIIx 20251201_rgo_sv3_010

Even during his short stint with the Steelers, the foundation was involved locally, and that connection has carried on well beyond his playing career.

“Both Russell and Ciara are so committed to community,” Hahn added. “How they can give back is what they want to be a core part of their legacy.”

His dedication to community work is a fundamental element of his identity, cemented by his selection as the NFL's prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2020.

For Pittsburgh, the relationship has stayed consistent, even if Wilson's time on the field has long ended

How Wilson’s Steelers stints still matter in Pittsburgh

Wilson joined the Steelers in 2024 on a veteran minimum deal after his exit from Denver, stepping in as the starting quarterback while Justin Fields was also brought in the same offseason.

According to Sports Illustrated, an early calf injury slowed things down, but once Wilson returned in Week 7, he helped the team go on a 6-1 run and brought some stability to the offense.

Even after moving on and later finishing his career with the New York Giants, Wilson has stayed connected to Pittsburgh through community work.

Chris Watts, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, spoke about Wilson's support.

“He didn’t have to give a donation. It would have been wonderful just to have him show up, and I think we’d have appreciated that,” Watts said. “But he insisted on providing financial support to enable us to deliver our mission more effectively.”

Wilson's playing days in Pittsburgh are over, but his off-field presence in the city is still being felt.

Do you think Russell Wilson will keep supporting Pittsburgh after retirement? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi