Russell Wilson Named Starter for Pittsburgh Steelers
In a surprising turn of events, the Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season. Wilson, who is entering his 13th NFL season, brings a wealth of experience and resilience to the team.
Wilson's career has been marked by both highs and lows. Over the years, he has been sacked an average of 43.9 times per season, leading to a staggering total of 527 sacks over his career. With such numbers, he is approaching the top of the list of most-sacked quarterbacks. Currently, Tom Brady holds the official record with 565 sacks, but projections suggest Wilson might reach approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season, potentially surpassing even Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks. Other quarterbacks close to Wilson's total include Ben Roethlisberger (554) and Aaron Rodgers (531).
Despite the physical toll, Wilson remains undeterred by doubt and external opinions. "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." His focus on faith and purpose 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. I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
Wilson's resilience will be tested once again as he faces the possibility of new challenges this season. He has suffered defeats against 29 different NFL teams, and if he loses to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, that number will rise to 31. The Steelers are set to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15, making these matches pivotal for Wilson.
Losses to multiple teams are not uncommon among quarterbacks, with ten having lost to 30 different teams. Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr has lost to 30 different teams, save for the Raiders and the Panthers, whom the Saints will play in Week 1 and Week 9 respectively. Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has also racked up losses against 30 teams, with the Lions being the only exception. The Colts are scheduled to play the Lions in Week 12.
The Steelers' new chapter with Wilson at the helm begins in earnest in Week 1 against the Falcons. The team is banking on his experience and leadership to navigate the challenges of the season. However, the Steelers have a potential contingency plan with Justin Fields waiting in the wings, should Wilson falter. Fields is considered a strong contender for the starting quarterback position, adding an intriguing dynamic to the team's quarterback depth chart.
As the Steelers embark on this new journey with Wilson, they do so with cautious optimism. The seasoned quarterback's mental fortitude and physical resilience will be crucial as they face a demanding schedule. In the high-stakes world of professional football, Wilson's ability to lead and inspire will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.