The Denver Broncos have agreed a trade deal with the Seattle Seahawks for star quarterback Russell Wilson, two people familiar with the developments told The Assocaited Press. Broncos general manager George Paton agreed to exchange a massive haul of players and draft picks with the Seahawks for their 33-year-old, nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback as they look to replace the legendary Peyton Manning.

The Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since Manning’s retirement six years ago, having gone through 10 starting QBs in that period, including five different ones every season for the last five years.  

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However, the Broncos have assembled a formidable roster, adding Wilson to the likes of dynamic wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and running back Javonte Williams.

Who is Russell Wilson?

Wilson was born Cincinnati and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He started playing football in his high school and attended the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, Louisiana, which is run by multiple NFL MVP winners including Peyton Manning. 

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He redshirted at NC State in the 2007 season and played football and baseball there till 2010, when he transferred to Wisconsin, leading the Badgers to a Big Ten Title and the Rose Bowl. 

He was picked by the Seahawks in the third round (75th overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft. In his debut season, he equalled Manning’s then-record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie (26) and was named NFL Rookie of the Year. 

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Wilson started 149 regular-season games and 16 playoff games before suffering a fractured middle finger on his right hand and missing four games last season, when he went 6-8. Seattle finished 7-10, the only losing season in Wilson’s tenure.

He struggled upon his return but finished strong, showing it was more of an injury-marred stretch than an indication he was in any sort of decline.

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Wilson helped Seattle to its only Super Bowl title with a 43-8 thumping of Manning and the Broncos in Super Bowl 48, then lost to Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl a year later. Overall, he’s 9-7 in the playoffs.