New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson was beaming with pride as his wife, singer-songwriter Ciara, achieved a historic milestone — she became the first African-American to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Africa, a tribute to her support for African artists.
Russell Wilson Turns Hype Man for Ciara’s Historic Rolling Stone Cover
While Ciara was born and raised in America, she is an Afro-descendant and one of the most popular American singers on the African continent.
She has collaborated with several African artists over her illustrious career and landed numerous songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including the number-three hits “Lose Control” with Missy Elliott and “Like You” with Bow Wow in 2005.
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As a tribute to her legacy, Rolling Stone Africa made her the first African-American to grace the cover in June 2025, and Wilson couldn’t stop gushing about her achievement.
“1-of-1 @rollingstone @ciara 🔥🔥🔥,” Wilson wrote, reposting a story of the cover on his Instagram story.
Ciara was honored to grace the cover and said Africa was one of her favorite parts of the world.
“I feel so honored and proud to be having this moment, Africa is one of my favorite places on Earth! I’m obsessed with the people, culture, and dance in Africa, and I’m hoping to make the people of Africa proud,” she told the magazine.
Ciara, who shares three kids with Wilson, called motherhood the greatest gift of her life.
“Being a mother has been so tremendous for me because there is no greater joy in knowing that I’m living my life to my fullest,” she said. “My greatest gift in life is being a mom, and my kids truly teach me patience!”
Wilson and Ciara started dating in 2015 and have been married since July 2016. In September 2021, they announced they were writing a children’s book called “Why Not You?” to help kids pursue their dreams. In addition to the three kids they share, Ciara has a son from a previous relationship, showcasing their strong family bond.
Wilson Set for a New Chapter in New York
The 36-year-old Wilson is one of several veteran quarterbacks who changed teams this offseason. He played the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he went 6-5 as a starter in 11 games. He completed 214 of 336 passes (63.7%) for 2,482 yards, with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions, helping lead the Steelers to the playoffs before a Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
In March 2025, Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Giants, with $10 million guaranteed. He’s expected to open the season as the starter, joined in the quarterback room by Jameis Winston and first-round pick Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss. This will be Wilson’s fourth team in five years after stints with the Seahawks, Broncos, and Steelers.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll has publicly confirmed that Wilson will be the team’s starting quarterback in Week 1 when they visit the Washington Commanders. The Giants’ front office is on the hot seat entering 2025, so Wilson’s performance could be the difference between earning a long-term deal next offseason or facing the end of the line as an NFL starter at age 37.
While Wilson has showcased the ability to be a solid performer, questions remain about whether he can still play at an elite level worthy of the Hall of Fame. His 2025 season in New York is a critical opportunity that he can’t afford to waste as he aims to prove he has plenty left in the tank.