Three years ago, quarterback Russell Wilson signed a high-profile contract extension with the Denver Broncos, sparking widespread debate. Since then, Wilson has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and, as of 2025, will lead the New York Giants’ offense. Despite his moves, the Russell Wilson contract controversy from 2022 still attracts significant attention.

Wilson’s contract saga remains a focal point due to tensions surrounding guaranteed deals in the NFL. The issue resurfaced when former NFL Players Association (NFLPA) president JC Tretter disclosed the reasons behind his disparaging remarks about Wilson after the Broncos extension was announced.

JC Tretter’s Reasoning Behind Calling Wilson a ‘Loser’

JC Tretter, who played center for the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns before becoming NFLPA president, detailed the context behind his harsh text messages to Wilson during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show. When Wilson secured a five-year, $245 million contract with Denver, Deshaun Watson had recently signed a similar five-year, $230 million deal. Watson’s fully guaranteed contract triggered anxiety among NFL owners and led to accusations of collusion to limit guaranteed deals.

Tretter explained that the NFLPA was pushing to establish fully guaranteed contracts for quarterbacks, and he viewed Wilson as a key figure who could advance this effort. He said,

“They asked about guaranteed contracts, and I said the next best person to favor a guaranteed contract is Russell Wilson. I thought he was traded for assets similar to Deshaun Watson.”

Despite Wilson’s credentials as a former Super Bowl winner and the financial strength of his team’s owner, Wilson ultimately did not receive a fully guaranteed contract.

Tretter admitted that this outcome deeply frustrated him.

“When he did not get a guaranteed contract, I texted D (then-executive director of the union, DeMaurice Smith) and I called him a loser,”

he said.

“Uh, and I called him a wuss.”

While acknowledging the messages were unprofessional, Tretter described them as an emotional reaction to a setback for players’ rights rather than personal animosity toward Wilson.

The regret for his words became clear when Tretter added,

“That was before the collusion grievance was launched. That was before the idea of collusion had come up. Months later was when we launched the collusion grievance.”

He insisted he would have apologized for the insults if he had known about the alleged collusion among NFL owners influencing Wilson’s contract negotiations.

“That’s why in my deposition, they asked me about it, and I said if I knew the league was colluding against Russell, I would apologize because I would know there was factors outside his control that were illegal and not allowed to happen,”

Tretter explained.

“But I didn’t know that at the time I sent the text message.”

Impact of Tretter’s Messages on the NFLPA’s Legal Challenge

The leaked texts from Tretter backfired and damaged the NFLPA’s case against the league’s handling of guaranteed contracts. The union had filed a collusion grievance, alleging NFL owners attempted to suppress players receiving fully guaranteed deals. However, the ruling favored the NFL, with arbitrator Christopher Droney finding insufficient proof that teams acted based on league collusion.

This decision came despite internal documents from the NFL Management Council that suggested teams were advised to reduce contract guarantees following Watson’s record-breaking deal. The controversy took a personal toll on Tretter, who served as NFLPA president from 2020 until 2024, when he resigned citing the strain it placed on his family and himself.

Tretter’s acknowledgment of how his statements impacted the grievance underscores the emotional intensity behind the union’s fight. Although his criticisms aimed to push for stronger player protections, they ultimately undermined the NFLPA’s position and reputation during a critical moment.

The Current Status for Russell Wilson and the NFLPA

As the NFL moves into training camps, Russell Wilson is preparing for the start of a new chapter as the leading quarterback for the New York Giants in the 2025 season. While he focuses on revitalizing the struggling franchise, the shadow of the 2022 contract controversy continues to follow him.

Meanwhile, the NFLPA is working to rebuild trust and assert its role as the players’ advocate amid ongoing leadership challenges. After Tretter’s departure and the fallout from the contract dispute, the union seeks an interim executive director to guide it through turbulent times. The unresolved issues surrounding guaranteed contracts and player negotiations still dominate discussions within the NFL community.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Russell Wilson’s son named Future?

A. Ciara and Russell Wilson’s family is celebrating something special today. Future Zahir Wilburn, the singer’s oldest son, turned 10 on Sunday, May 19.

Q. Why did Russell Wilson leave his ex-wife?

A. Back in 2014, Russell, who was 24 at the time, married Ashton. They had met in high school during sports activities. The wedding took place two years after Russell began his NFL career. They mostly kept a low profile. However, after just two years, Russell filed for divorce amid cheating rumors.

Q. Did Ciara have a child before Russell Wilson?

A. In 2015, Ciara met Wilson. At that time, she had a son, Future Zahir, 11, with rapper Future from a prior relationship. Ciara and Wilson got married in 2016, and the next year they had their first daughter, Sienna Princess, who is now 8.

Q. Russell Wilson’s Ex Wife Ashton Meem – Qb Divorce Details, New Girlfriend Lolo Jones? – IMDb.

A. Who was Russell Wilson married to first?