Russell Wilson Takes the Helm for Pittsburgh Steelers
As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the upcoming NFL season, the team has officially named veteran quarterback Russell Wilson as their starter. Heading into his 13th NFL season, Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a significant record to the Steel City.
Wilson’s career has been a mixture of remarkable achievements and relentless physical challenges. Over his tenure, he has been sacked an average of 43.9 times per year, culminating in a staggering total of 527 sacks. This places him just behind Tom Brady, who holds the official record with 565 sacks, and positions Wilson to surpass that mark, potentially reaching 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season. Although Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks hovers in the background, Wilson is firmly on track to make history.
Joining the Steelers comes with a fresh set of challenges and milestones. Wilson has already faced defeat against 29 different NFL teams. This season, the Steelers' schedule against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, followed by a clash with the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, offers Wilson a unique, albeit daunting, opportunity. If he falls to both the Browns and the Eagles, he will have the dubious distinction of having lost to 31 different teams, a rare and unenviable record in the NFL.
Within the league, a small fraternity of quarterbacks shares Wilson’s misfortunes. Currently, ten quarterbacks have losses to 30 different teams. Among active players, Derek Carr has also been defeated by 30 different teams, his undefeated records lingering only against the Raiders and the Panthers. Notably, Carr's New Orleans Saints face these two teams in Week 1 and Week 9, respectively. Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, also shares similar statistics, having succumbed to 30 different teams, with his remaining challenge being the Lions, whom the Colts meet in Week 12.
Wilson reflects on his journey and the mindset that keeps him focused. "I never had it to keep me going," he says about the prospect of doubt being a motivating factor. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think." Wilson’s unwavering dedication to the game 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 elaborates. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
The Steelers' new chapter with Wilson at quarterback kicks off in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. However, should Wilson falter, the team is prepared with a potential successor in Justin Fields, who may step up as a contender for the starting position.
With the weight of records and the scrutiny of fans and analysts alike, Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers promises to be a compelling storyline. He enters this season not only with the objective of leading his team to victory but also with the opportunity to further cement his legacy in the annals of NFL history.
As the opening game approaches, one can't help but anticipate how Wilson's resilience and experience will mesh with the Steelers’ aspirations. The convergence of individual milestones and team success will be closely watched in what promises to be an intriguing NFL season.