In a recent episode of the “I Am Athlete” podcast, Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson opened up about his journey of embracing the role of a stepdad to Ciara’s son, Future Zahir Wilburn, from her previous relationship with rapper Future.
Future Zahir, born on May 19, 2014, is the result of Ciara’s past engagement to rapper Future, which ended in 2014 amidst rumors of infidelity.
Fast forward to 2015, when Russell Wilson and Ciara first crossed paths at a University of Wisconsin basketball game. Their relationship blossomed, and Wilson recalls a pivotal moment when he realized that becoming a father figure to little Future was going to be his responsibility.
Recalling the first meeting with Future Zahir, Wilson shared:
“When I walked in the room and I saw little Future — he’s 9 months at the time or whatever — and he crawls in my lap, it was like, ‘This is going to be my responsibility.’”
Wilson expressed a sense of divine guidance, stating that he felt God telling him that raising this child was going to be his responsibility.
Wilson, reflecting on the role of stepdad, drew parallels to the biblical figure Joseph, who was a stepfather to Jesus. He acknowledged that stepping into the role of raising Ciara’s child was a significant responsibility, but he embraced it wholeheartedly.
In April 2015, Russell Wilson and Ciara made their first public appearance as a couple at a state dinner at the White House. The couple got engaged in Seychelles in March 2016 and tied the knot on July 6, 2016, at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England.
Fast forward to December 2023, and the Wilson family has grown. Russell Wilson and Ciara are proud parents to four children: Future Zahir Wilburn, Ciara’s first child with rapper Future; Sienna Princess, Ciara’s 6-year-old daughter; Win Harrison, Ciara’s 3-year-old son; and Amora Princess Wilson, born in December 2023, marking the latest addition to their family.
Russell Wilson’s 2023 NFL Season
In the 2023 NFL season, Russell Wilson had a mix of performances for the Denver Broncos. Starting with a close loss to the Raiders where he threw for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns, Wilson faced ups and downs throughout the season.
Notably, he suffered a 0–3 record for the first time in his career after a blowout loss to the Dolphins in Week 3. However, he bounced back in Week 4 against the Bears, leading the Broncos to a 31–28 comeback victory with three touchdown passes.
In subsequent weeks, Wilson had notable wins against the Packers and Chiefs. However, the Broncos decided to bench Wilson for the final two games of the season, citing the need to “preserve financial flexibility” following losses to the Lions and Patriots in Weeks 15 and 16.
Russell Wilson’s NFL Career Highlights
- Super Bowl Champion (XLVIII)
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2020)
- Second-Team All-Pro (2019)
- 9× Pro Bowl Selection (2012–2015, 2017–2021)
- NFL Passer Rating Leader (2015)
- NFL Passing Touchdowns Leader (2017)
- Bart Starr Award Recipient (2022)
- Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year (2011)
- First-Team All-Big Ten (2011)
- ACC Rookie of the Year (2008)
- ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year (2008)
- First-Team All-ACC (2008)
- Second-Team All-ACC (2010)
- NC State Wolfpack Jersey No. 16 Honored
