Russell Wilson: A New Chapter with the Pittsburgh Steelers
In a surprising twist for NFL enthusiasts, Russell Wilson has been named the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers entering the upcoming season. As Wilson prepares to kick off his 13th NFL season, this move signals a new chapter for both Wilson and the storied franchise. The Steelers' faith in Wilson underscores his seasoned experience and undeniable talent.
Russell Wilson's career has been nothing short of remarkable. Accumulating a total of 527 sacks over his years in the NFL, Wilson has consistently proven his resilience. The pressure he has faced is massive, with an average of 43.9 sacks per year. Despite these numbers, Wilson remains steadfast and unfazed by external perceptions. "I've never been -- I don't know why -- I've just never been worried about what other people think," Wilson asserts. "I've never had it to keep me going."
Looking at league records, Tom Brady holds the official record for most sacks with 565, while Fran Tarkenton's unofficial mark stands at 570. With projections indicating Wilson could reach approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season, he is potentially on course to surpass both benchmarks. Quarterbacks close to these tallies include Ben Roethlisberger with 554 and Aaron Rodgers with 531, making Wilson's achievements even more noteworthy among his elite peers.
Apart from sacks, another notable aspect of Wilson’s career is the breadth of teams he has faced defeat against. Wilson has logged losses to 29 different NFL teams. If he faces setbacks against the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this upcoming season, his list of teams would expand to 31. The Steelers’ schedule has them playing the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15. This would make an intriguing storyline, given that only ten quarterbacks in NFL history have lost to 30 different teams.
Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr stands alongside Wilson in this unique statistic, with losses to 30 different teams. The New Orleans Saints, with Carr at the helm, will face the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9, the only two teams he hasn’t lost to yet. Joe Flacco, another quarterback in the same bracket, now a backup with the Colts, has also suffered defeats to 30 different teams, missing only a loss to the Detroit Lions. The Week 12 matchup between the Colts and the Lions may complete that list for Flacco.
For Steelers fans, the start of the season is always filled with optimism and this year is no different, especially with a seasoned quarterback like Wilson leading the charge. Week 1 will see Wilson and the Steelers face the Atlanta Falcons, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season. However, the Steelers appear to have a backup plan should Wilson falter, with Justin Fields identified as a potential contender for the starting quarterback position. This dynamic could add an extra layer of competition and a drive for Wilson to maintain top form.
Reflecting on his journey and what motivates him, Wilson articulates a deep sense of purpose driven by 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," Wilson 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 upcoming season is not just another chapter in Russell Wilson's storied career but also a pivotal moment for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they embark on a new journey with a quarterback who has proven his mettle time and again. As the games unfold, fans, analysts, and fellow players will be keenly watching whether Wilson can defy the odds and lead the Steelers with the same resilience and determination he has shown throughout his career.