As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the upcoming NFL season, a new chapter begins under the leadership of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Named the starter, Wilson steps into his 13th NFL season, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a determination that remains unshaken by external opinions.
Russell Wilson's Journey
Wilson's career has been nothing short of remarkable. Over his 12 seasons in the league, he has endured an average of 43.9 sacks per year, amassing a staggering 527 sacks to date. This puts him in close contention with some of the most sacked quarterbacks in NFL history. Tom Brady, who holds the official record with 565 sacks, is one of the few ahead of Wilson. Wilson is projected to surpass this milestone, potentially reaching approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season—a figure that would place him ahead of Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks.
Wilson's ability to stay focused despite these challenges is evident in his own words. "I never had it to keep me going," he states, referring to whether doubt drives him. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think." This unshakeable mindset underscores his resilience and inner confidence.
Facing Challenges
Wilson's tenure in the NFL has also seen him suffer defeats at the hands of 29 different teams. This season, if the Steelers fall to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, Wilson's list of teams he has lost to will grow to 31. These pivotal games are set for Week 12 and Week 14 against the Browns, and Week 15 against the Eagles.
Wilson isn't alone in this statistic. Ten quarterbacks share the distinction of having lost to 30 different teams, a list that includes active quarterbacks such as Derek Carr. Carr has notably not lost to the Raiders and the Panthers, with whom the Saints—his current team—will face in Week 1 and Week 9, respectively. Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has also lost to 30 different teams, lacking only a loss to the Lions, whom the Colts will encounter in Week 12.
A New Era for the Steelers
With Wilson at the helm, the Steelers are poised to commence their season against the Falcons in Week 1. Wilson’s focus on his faith and the unique opportunity he has been given to play this game is evident. "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 explains. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
However, the Steelers have a contingency plan in place with Justin Fields, who is a potential contender for the starting quarterback position should Wilson falter. This strategic move highlights Pittsburgh's commitment to maintaining a strong and competitive presence on the field regardless of unforeseen circumstances.
As the season advances, all eyes will be on Wilson to see how he fares against the odds and the challenges laid out before him. The combination of his seasoned expertise and the fresh drive from a new team could spell a potent mix that propels the Steelers to new heights. The narrative of Wilson's career continues to unfold, with the Steelers' faithful hoping that this chapter brings success and resilience, mirroring the quarterback’s illustrious, but challenging, journey in the NFL.