Russell Wilson Named Starter for Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant announcement by naming Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season. Entering his 13th season in the league, Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the Steelers' lineup.
Wilson has been one of the most resilient quarterbacks in the league, enduring an average of 43.9 sacks per year. Over his career, this has amounted to a staggering 527 sacks. This puts him on the brink of surpassing some of the most sacked quarterbacks in NFL history. Tom Brady currently holds the official record with 565 sacks, while Fran Tarkenton holds an unofficial record with 570 sacks. Projections suggest Wilson could reach approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season, potentially making him the most sacked quarterback in the history of the NFL. Other quarterbacks nearing Wilson's total include Ben Roethlisberger, with 554 sacks, and Aaron Rodgers, with 531 sacks.
This season will also be pivotal for Wilson in terms of his team's performance against various NFL opponents. Wilson has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams during his illustrious career. If the Steelers lose to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, Wilson will have faced losses to 31 different teams, a notable feat in itself. The Steelers are slated to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15. Ten quarterbacks in NFL history have experienced losses to 30 different teams, a testament to the diversity and challenge that comes with a long career in the NFL.
Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr has also lost to 30 different teams, with the Raiders and Panthers being the only exceptions. As fate would have it, the Saints, Carr's current team, will face the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9. Joe Flacco, now playing as a backup for the Colts, has also lost to 30 different teams, with the Lions being the only team to evade him. The Colts are set to face the Lions in Week 12, presenting Flacco with a potential chance to equal Wilson's unique record.
Wilson's journey with the Steelers will commence in Week 1 against the Falcons, marking a new chapter in his storied career. While Wilson's leadership and capabilities are unquestioned, there are contingency plans in place. Justin Fields, a promising young talent, is positioned as a potential contender for the starting quarterback role if Wilson falters. Fields’ readiness to step in underscores the Steelers' strategic planning and depth in the quarterback position.
Wilson's mindset as he approaches this new challenge is shaped by his enduring faith and a strong sense of purpose. "I never had it to keep me going," he stated, referring to whether doubt has ever been a motivating factor for him. "I've never been -- I don't know why -- I've just never been worried about what other people think." Wilson's focus is unwavering, driven by a belief that his role in the NFL is divinely chosen. "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," he explains. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
The integration of such a seasoned player as Wilson into the Steelers' framework is expected to have a profound impact on the team's performance. His resilience and experience will be crucial as the Steelers navigate a competitive season. With Wilson at the helm, Pittsburgh fans have reason to be optimistic about the team’s prospects. The upcoming season promises to be one of reflection, milestones, and the continual evolution of one of the league’s most respected quarterbacks.