Wilson Builds a Hotel Empire While Searching for His Next NFL Home

Russell Wilson’s time with the Giants was brief, ending after about three weeks when Jaxson Dart took over. Yet even as he heads into free agency, Wilson is showing that his ambitions stretch far beyond football. He just announced a partnership with HQ Hotels & Residences, the luxury hotel chain founded by SBE Entertainment Group CEO Sam Nazarian. In a recent Instagram story, Wilson shared a photo with Nazarian and said he was “excited to be launching the @hqhotels together globally. ” The deal is more than a name‑check. HQ Hotels & Residences, which reentered the market in 2023 after Nazarian sold his stake in SBE to Accor, aims to open 50 hotels in 30 countries by 2030. Nazarian appointed Wilson and his wife, Ciara, as strategic partners and board members in January 2025. Their roles will bring a new perspective to the brand, leveraging Wilson’s public profile and business insight.Wilson’s timing is strategic. He will turn 38 this November, a milestone that makes the future of his football career uncertain. After three seasons marked by team changes—from Pittsburgh to New York—he has yet to secure a long‑term contract. Switching agents in January, he is now represented by David Mulugheta of Athletes First, a firm that also manages players like C. J. Stroud and Justin Fields. Mulugheta’s involvement signals that Wilson is serious about finding a new team. Despite a tough last season—only 69 completions, 831 yards and three touchdowns—Wilson is not ready to quit. He told reporters he knows his capabilities and wants to keep playing while staying healthy. A standout performance in Week 2 of the previous season, where he threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns despite a hamstring injury, showcased his resilience. The incident also sparked discussion about the NFL’s injury reporting policies. While the hotel partnership may seem like a side venture, it positions Wilson for life after football. It gives him an investment portfolio and a platform that could grow into a significant business empire. For now, the quarterback is juggling two paths: securing his next NFL contract and building a brand that will last long after he hangs up his cleats.