Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was traded to the New York Yankees today. The Yanks acquired Wilson via a trade with the Texas Rangers, who will be receiving cash considerations in exchange for the four-time Pro Bowler, according to ESPN.
Wilson doesn't have any plans to retire, or to be a two-sport professional athlete, but he is expected to appear at the Yankees' Grapefruit League camp in Tampa, Florida later this month.
Wilson played baseball at North Carolina State for two seasons from 2008-2010, and was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the 2010 Draft. He played two years of pro ball as a second baseman for the Rockies before the Rangers acquired him in the 2013 Rule 5 Draft. He appeared at Texas' Cactus League complex in Surprise, Arizona spring training camp in 2014 and 2015, according to ESPN.
Now, the 29-year old will be assigned to the Yankees' Double-A Trenton roster. He released a statement shortly after the news broke, which reads in part,
"While football is my passion and my livelihood, baseball remains a huge part of where I came from and who I am today. I've learned so much on the baseball field that translates to my game physically and mentally playing quarterback in the NFL. I thank the Rangers and their great fans for making me feel at home and a part of the family! While I embrace the chance to be a New York Yankee, I will forever be grateful to have been a part of a world class organization like the Texas Rangers."
