Russell Wilson Named Starter for Pittsburgh Steelers
In a significant decision for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Russell Wilson has been named the starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season. Entering his 13th season in the league, Wilson brings with him a wealth of experience and a career that's been anything but ordinary.
It's no small feat to sustain such a long and illustrious career in the NFL. Over his tenure, Wilson has been sacked an average of 43.9 times per year, accumulating a staggering total of 527 sacks. While this places him close to the top of the league's all-time list, he is still behind Tom Brady's official record of 565 sacks. With projections estimating Wilson will reach around 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season, he is poised to surpass Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks.
Quarterback durability and resilience against defenders are certainly part of Wilson's legacy. The likes of Tom Brady, who has 565 sacks, Ben Roethlisberger with 554, and Aaron Rodgers at 531 are in close competition with Wilson’s numbers. Despite these high figures, Wilson remains pragmatic and composed. "I never had it to keep me going," he states, referencing whether doubt drives him. "I've never been -- I don't know why -- I've just never been worried about what other people think."
Wilson’s perseverance is deeply rooted in his faith. "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 says confidently. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
Beyond durability, Wilson’s journey has also been defined by the teams he has faced and the challenges that come with such encounters. To date, he has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. This season holds the potential for him to mark losses to 31 different teams if the Steelers fall to the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles. The high-stakes matches are set for Week 12 and Week 14 against the Browns, followed by a confrontation with the Eagles in Week 15.
This record of losses is shared with many notable quarterbacks. There are ten quarterbacks who have lost to 30 different teams, a list which includes active quarterback Derek Carr. Carr has tasted defeat from every team except the Raiders and the Panthers, with upcoming opportunities in Week 1 and Week 9 to potentially expand that list. Similarly, Joe Flacco, currently a backup with the Colts, has losses to 30 teams, but he has yet to lose to the Lions; they face off in Week 12.
The Steelers’ new chapter with Wilson will kick off in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, setting the stage for what could be a transformative season for the team. While Wilson’s experience and track record are substantial, the team is also grooming a potential successor in Justin Fields. Fields stands as a contender for the starting spot should Wilson falter.
The Steelers' decision to bring in a seasoned veteran like Wilson underscores their ambition to harness his expertise and leadership. With a storied career characterized by resilience and strong faith, Wilson's tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers promises to be an intriguing chapter in both his and the team’s history. The upcoming season will not only test his endurance but also his ability to adapt and continue his legacy in an ever-competitive league.