Russell Wilson Named Pittsburgh Steelers' Starting QB: A New Chapter Begins
In a move that has set the NFL world abuzz, Russell Wilson has been named the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the upcoming season. Wilson, who is entering his 13th NFL season, brings a wealth of experience and talent to a team looking to turn the page and revive its storied legacy.
Wilson's career is marked by both impressive achievements and daunting challenges. Having been sacked an average of 43.9 times per year, Wilson has endured a staggering total of 527 sacks throughout his career. This puts him on a trajectory to surpass the unofficial sack record held by Fran Tarkenton, who was sacked 570 times. The official record, currently held by Tom Brady with 565 sacks, seems like a milestone Wilson is destined to pass, as projections estimate he will reach approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season.
Despite the physical toll, Wilson's mental fortitude remains unwavering. "I never had it to keep me going," he said, addressing whether doubt motivates him. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think." His focus, instead, lies in his faith and sense of purpose. "I think ultimately I focus on, as I mentioned to you guys -- obviously my faith means everything to me. God chose me for this, and He chose me to play this game," Wilson explained. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
The move to Pittsburgh offers Wilson a fresh start, but not without formidable challenges. He has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams throughout his career. This season, if the Steelers lose to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, Wilson's list of conquerors could expand to 31 teams. The Steelers are set to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15.
Interestingly, this aspect of Wilson's career aligns him with a unique fraternity of quarterbacks who have lost to numerous teams. Ten quarterbacks have experienced losses to 30 different NFL teams, with Derek Carr, among active players, standing in this group. Carr has only two teams left that he hasn't lost to: the Raiders and the Panthers. The New Orleans Saints, where Carr currently plays, will match up against the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9. Similarly, Joe Flacco, now serving as a backup with the Colts, has lost to 30 different teams but remains unbeaten by the Lions, whom the Colts will meet in Week 12.
Wilson's first task as the Steelers' starting quarterback will be to lead his new team against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. The stakes are high, and the expectations are even higher, as Pittsburgh fans hope Wilson's seasoned expertise will guide the team back to glory. However, the presence of Justin Fields as a potential contender for the starting spot suggests that Wilson will need to deliver consistently strong performances to maintain his position.
As Wilson's journey with the Steelers begins, he is fully aware of the opportunity and responsibility that lies ahead. His resilient mindset and deep-rooted faith serve as the bedrock of his approach to the game, as he prepares to write the next chapter of his career in Pittsburgh. Whether he can overcome the hurdles and lift the Steelers remains to be seen, but with Wilson at the helm, the team undoubtedly has a fighting chance.