In July 2025, when Russell Wilson’s wife Ciara became one of the first beneficiaries of Beninese citizenship, the NFL quarterback hoped to follow in her footsteps soon. Six months on, he has already taken a step in that direction, and is pumped up about the decision.

“First time being here in Benin,” said a smiling Wilson, via Africa Facts Zone on X. “But I think what’s really exciting is that becoming a citizen here. We’re really pumped up. She’s [Ciara] already one, I get to become one, maybe our kids will one day become one. It’s just a cool experience.”

He later added, “It’s an honor to be a citizen here. Hopefully, real soon also. I’ll see you guys soon.”

Wilson has applied to be a citizen of Benin this week, reportedly through the My Afro Origins platform. He announced the news on his first-ever visit to Benin on the country’s annual Vodun Days celebration in Ouidah. However, it is not yet confirmed if he will get it.

To become a Benin citizen under their latest Afro-descendant nationality initiative, Wilson will be required to provide the results of a DNA test, family records, or verified testimonies. Once the application is approved, it takes an additional three months for the process to complete.

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His great-great-grandfather was a slave to a Confederate colonel, so that qualifies him to be a part of the program. Luckily for him, the U.S. Government allows dual citizenship.

The Giants’ QB also has another reason for applying for Beninese citizenship. Apart from connecting with his roots, he wants to popularize football in Africa.

“We really want to bring American football here,” he said. “Bring football globally here, and start teaching the kids how to really play football. So, I’m gonna come back and teach the kids to play football. It’s gonna be a cool experience.”

It is a great thought from the former Super Bowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks. But Wilson wasn’t there just for the announcement. The quarterback was enjoying his offseason as one of the biggest supporters for his wife, who was performing at the event held annually from January 8–10.

Russell Wilson is trying to echo Ciarra Wilson’s Beninese love

Centered in Ouidah, once one of West Africa’s busiest slave ports, the festival blends traditional rituals, live performances, and ceremonies at historic memorial sites like the Slave Route and the Door of No Return. Ciarra’s performance on the second day, specifically her ‘Level Up,’ drew a massive response from the audience.

The artist returned to the spot for the first time since July last year, when she was granted her citizenship in Cotonou. At the time, she walked the Slave Route and visited the Door of No Return. Rightly so, she called it a moment of “emotion, reflection, and heritage.” She also described Benin as “sacred ground.” She has since continued to raise awareness about its cultural legacy.

The Western African country, the Republic of Benin, is providing citizenship to descendants of enslaved Africans. The initiative started with the country’s leader joining hands with another Hollywood personality, director Spike Lee.

Apart from making off-field decisions, Wilson has also confirmed that he is not ready to retire, yet.

Russell Wilson won’t be hanging up his cleats soon

Russell Wilson will enter free agency following the official conclusion of the season. He played as QB3 for most of the season with the New York Giants and went 2-4 in the league, losing all three games he started. But as per his remarks, he won’t be retiring in 2026.

“Yeah, I’m not blinking,” said Wilson on his future, via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan on X. “I know what I’m capable of. I think I showed that in Dallas.”

Wilson really played like a Super Bowl winner against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. He went 30-of-41 passes for 450 passing yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Giants lost to the Cowboys 40-37 in an overtime clash. While he added 23 yards on three rushing attempts, he could not add any score.

Besides that game, Wilson had two more starts for the Giants until he was benched for Jaxson Dart. He wrapped up his season in New York with 831 passing yards, with 58% pass completion rate and three touchdowns. He also threw three interceptions and was sacked 10 times. He also had a career-low QB rating of 25.8 percent. It is important to mention that the Giants did not have good leadership and got rid of head coach Brian Daboll before the season even ended.

In 2024, he represented the Pittsburgh Steelers and started most of the games. His record stood at 2,482 passing yards and 16 touchdowns with a 63.7 percent completion rate, helping the franchise earn a postseason nod with a 10-7 record.

The ten-time Pro Bowler is currently 37 and played the 14th season of his career. The veteran quarterback has shown that he can still perform at the highest level. Also, it is not just his skills; his experience can also be valuable to the franchise he joins. While he is confident that he will play the 15th, it will be interesting to see who ends up offering him that chance. But even then, he has his plans in motion with Benin as his next ultimate destination.