Russell Wilson has secured his place as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers this upcoming NFL season, marking a significant shift in the team's dynamics. As Wilson embarks on his 13th NFL season, the anticipation is palpable among players, coaches, and fans alike.
Wilson's career has been nothing short of extraordinary and demanding. Averaging 43.9 sacks per season, he has faced considerable pressure on the field, racking up a staggering total of 527 sacks to date. This number places him in the upper echelons of the NFL's most-sacked quarterbacks, trailing Tom Brady's official record of 565 sacks but surpassing other notable figures such as Ben Roethlisberger, who sits at 554, and Aaron Rodgers with 531. By the end of the 2024 season, projections estimate that Wilson will amass approximately 570.9 sacks, potentially surpassing even Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks.
While these statistics may seem daunting, Wilson remains unfazed by external opinions. "I never had it to keep me going," he says regarding whether doubt motivates him. "I've never been -- I don't know why -- I've just never been worried about what other people think." His focus is clear; as he explains, "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 and optimism are further tested by his diverse set of challengers. He has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different teams, and this season presents an opportunity to expand that number. Should the Steelers lose to the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, Wilson would have registered losses to 31 different teams. The Steelers are set to clash with the Browns in Weeks 12 and 14, and the Eagles in Week 15. To put this into perspective, ten quarterbacks in NFL history have experienced losses to 30 different teams, with Derek Carr and Joe Flacco among the active players in this category.
Derek Carr, currently with the New Orleans Saints, has yet to suffer defeat against the Raiders and Panthers, the only two teams eluding his grasp. The Saints' matchups against these teams in Week 1 and Week 9, respectively, present Carr with noteworthy challenges. Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Indianapolis Colts, also boasts losses to 30 different teams, except for the Detroit Lions, whom the Colts will face in Week 12.
The Steelers, under Wilson's leadership, are poised for a new chapter starting in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the high expectations, there remains a safety net in the form of Justin Fields, who stands ready to seize the starting quarterback position if Wilson stumbles. This introduction of healthy competition is pivotal for the Steelers as they aim to craft a successful season.
Ultimately, Wilson's journey with the Steelers is emblematic of his broader career in the NFL -- one marked by perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to excellence amidst adversity. As he prepares to don the Steelers' uniform and lead the team onto the field, fans can expect a blend of experienced leadership and the gritty determination that has come to define Russell Wilson's NFL tenure.