Former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson just received one of his clearest public co-signings yet for a potential post-NFL career in broadcasting. Former league MVP Matt Ryan raved about Wilson’s on-air work during a recent NFL Network appearance, calling him “natural” and “comfortable” on television after a full day together on CBS’ “The NFL Today.”
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared video of Ryan’s comments on X, adding fuel to the growing chatter that Wilson’s next act might come with a microphone instead of a helmet.
Matt Ryan Says Russell Wilson ‘Belongs’ on TV
Ryan stopped by NFL Network’s “The Insiders” to promote his upcoming work on Netflix’s Christmas Day doubleheader, where he’ll be on the call for Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings. During the segment, the conversation shifted to his time in the CBS studio with Russell Wilson during the New York Giants quarterback’s bye week.
Ryan explained that Wilson didn’t just pop in for a quick TV hit. Instead, the Giants veteran went through the full grind of a studio Sunday: arriving early for production meetings, sitting in on show planning, joining the “NFL Today Plus” streaming show on Paramount+ and then working the main desk during the flagship broadcast.
After seeing all of that up close, Ryan’s takeaway was that Wilson fit right in. He said Wilson came across as “natural” and “comfortable” on set, meshed with the rest of the panel and handled the camera work the way a longtime TV pro would. Ryan also emphasized how engaged Wilson was before the show ever went live, talking through topics and ideas with producers and analysts.
What stood out most to Ryan was the experience Wilson can draw from. He pointed to the quarterback’s full body of work — a Super Bowl win, another Super Bowl appearance, multiple playoff runs and some difficult stretches in recent years — as the kind of resume that gives weight to anything he might say on air. In Ryan’s view, that mix of polish, personality and big-game history makes Wilson an obvious candidate for a media role whenever he’s finished playing.
Ryan stopped short of suggesting Wilson is close to retirement, but he was clear about one thing: if Wilson chooses the broadcast route “if and when he decides to do it,” Ryan expects him to thrive.
How a TV Path Fits Into Wilson’s Broncos Chapter
From a Broncos standpoint, that kind of endorsement comes at a notable moment in Wilson’s career. Denver brought him in to anchor the position and stabilize the offense, and his trajectory in orange and blue has been a constant talking point around the league. His exit and subsequent years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Giants have dimmed a once very bright NFL career.
Ryan’s comments don’t signal that Wilson is ready to walk away. Wilson believes he can still compete and chase wins, not broadcast chairs. But the idea that a national network role is waiting down the line does change how his career arc is framed.
If Wilson eventually moves into a studio or booth full-time, Broncos fans could be watching him break down coverages and situational football on a regular basis, including the kinds of moments he’s currently navigating in New York. That would keep his connection to the franchise alive in a different way, even after he’s done taking snaps.
There’s also the bigger-picture narrative. Wilson’s departure from Seattle sparked years of debate about who was right, who was wrong and how it all fell apart. His time in Denver has had its own share of scrutiny. A neutral TV role would give him a platform to explain more of what he’s seen and learned in both places, including his chapter with the Broncos, without the weekly pressure of trying to keep a starting job.
For now, Wilson’s job description hasn’t changed: he’s an NFL quarterback. But with a respected peer like Ryan publicly saying he looks like he belongs on television, Broncos fans just got a clearer picture of what the next phase of Wilson’s football life could look like when he eventually decides he’s done playing.
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