NC State head football coach Tom O'Brien announced today that Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson has requested and been granted a release so that he can pursue opportunities in football at another university if he so desires.

"Russell and I have had very open conversations about his responsibilities respective to baseball and football,"said O'Brien. "While I am certainly respectful of Russell's dedication to baseball these last several years, within those discussions I also communicated to him the importance of his time commitment to NC State Football.

My staff and I thank him for his contributions as a member of Wolfpack football and to this University and wish him only the best in the future."

Wilson said "Although I remain undecided on the option of playing college football this coming season, I believe it is in the best interest of the players and coaches involved to end any speculation of my return to the Wolfpack. It has become apparent that the time has come for the program to move on without me.

"I am forever grateful to NC State for allowing me the privilege of participating in athletics for four years. I especially appreciate the cooperation among coaches who allowed me to pursue my dream of playing two sports. I also want to thank the great fans of NC State University. Your love and support was a gift that I appreciated every day and will treasure my entire life.

"While my immediate plan includes playing professional baseball, I have not closed the door on football. With one more season of college eligibility remaining, I will continue to explore and consider all my options."