In a surprising move for the upcoming NFL season, Russell Wilson has been named the new starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As he prepares to enter his 13th NFL season, Wilson’s career has been marked by resilience and determination. Despite facing various challenges, including an average of 43.9 sacks per year and accumulating a total of 527 sacks over his career, Wilson continues to embrace his role on the field with unwavering faith and confidence.
"I never had it to keep me going," Wilson said, addressing whether doubts drive him. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think."
Wilson’s Path to Pittsburgh
Wilson's journey has been one of both triumphs and tribulations. As he transitions to the Steelers, he stands on the brink of surpassing significant milestones. Tom Brady holds the official record with 565 career sacks, while Fran Tarkenton holds an unofficial record with 570 sacks. By the end of the 2024 season, Wilson is projected to accumulate approximately 570.9 sacks, potentially making him the most sacked quarterback in NFL history.
Quarterbacks with sack totals close to Wilson's include Tom Brady (565), Ben Roethlisberger (554), and Aaron Rodgers (531). This looming record, however, seems to weigh lightly on Wilson’s shoulders, driven more by faith than by numbers.
"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."
A New Chapter with the Steelers
Wilson's addition to the Steelers is set to mark a new chapter for the team as they kick off their season against the Falcons in Week 1. The pressure will be on Wilson, not just to lead his new team but also to potentially fend off the rising talent of Justin Fields, who is considered a contender for the starting quarterback position if Wilson struggles.
Throughout his career, Wilson has experienced defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. This season, the Steelers will face the Browns (Week 12 and Week 14) and the Eagles (Week 15). If Wilson loses to both teams, his list of conquered opponents could grow to 31, a feat many quarterbacks would find discouraging. However, Wilson's perspective remains focused and steadfast.
Comparisons and Competitors
Wilson is not alone in facing such challenges. Ten quarterbacks have suffered losses to 30 different teams, with Derek Carr among the active quarterbacks having faced such a fate. The only teams Carr has yet to lose to are the Raiders and the Panthers, whom the Saints are set to face in Week 1 and Week 9, respectively. Joe Flacco, currently a backup with the Colts, has also lost to 30 different teams, barring the Lions, whom the Colts will play in Week 12.
With each game, Wilson's determination to succeed remains evident. As he steps onto the field for the Steelers, his focus will not only be on steering the team towards victories but also on cultivating a legacy that transcends numbers and records.
Wilson’s unwavering confidence and spiritual conviction are likely to be key drivers in this new phase of his career. The Steelers and their fans will watch closely, hoping that Wilson's experience and leadership will usher in a season of success.
As Week 1 approaches, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh's new quarterback. Russell Wilson’s resilience and faith will be tested yet again, but if his past is anything to go by, he will rise to the occasion, embodying the spirit of a true competitor.