Russell Wilson, a seasoned NFL quarterback with a career spanning over a decade, is set to begin a new chapter with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their starter for the upcoming season. Entering his 13th NFL season, Wilson has enjoyed a storied career, marked not just by his remarkable athletic ability but also by his resilience and consistency.
Wilson's Challenging Path
Wilson's journey has been well-documented and at times, grueling. Over the span of his career, he has been sacked a staggering 527 times, averaging an impactful 43.9 sacks per year. Despite this, his tenacity and unwavering focus on the game have remained undeterred. Just 38 sacks away from holding the all-time record, currently held by Tom Brady with 565 sacks, Wilson is projected to surpass this milestone, potentially reaching 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season. Fran Tarkenton’s unofficial record of 570 sacks also looms on the horizon.
Facing Almost Every Team
Wilson's grit is reflected not just in his ability to withstand physical challenges but also in his encounters with nearly every NFL team. He has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different teams. Should the Steelers falter against the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, Wilson will join a rarefied group of quarterbacks who have experienced losses to 31 different teams. It's an elite list that includes some of the most battle-hardened players in NFL history.
Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr shares a similar fate, having lost to 30 different teams. The only teams Carr has not lost to are the Raiders and the Panthers, matching up against them in Week 1 and Week 9 respectively, this could change soon enough. Veteran Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has also endured losses to 30 different teams, with the Detroit Lions being the sole exception. The Colts’ matchup with the Lions in Week 12 could add another tally to Flacco’s record.
A New Era for the Steelers
As the Steelers prepare to open their season against the Falcons in Week 1, the integration of Wilson into their roster brings a mix of anticipation and cautious optimism. The team is hoping Wilson can channel his substantial experience and determination into leading them to success. This moment marks a significant transition point for the franchise, with high expectations placed on Wilson’s shoulders.
Should Wilson struggle, Justin Fields is poised as a potential contender for the starting quarterback role. Despite the pressure, Wilson remains steadfast and grounded, driven by a deep sense of purpose and faith.
"I never had it to keep me going," Wilson says, addressing whether doubt has ever been a motivating force for him. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think."
His perspective is further illuminated by his sense of divine calling: "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."
It’s this unwavering belief and commitment that Wilson is bringing to Pittsburgh, a city and team that are no strangers to adversity. As the new season dawns, Russell Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers promises to be a narrative rich with potential and challenges alike. The outcome remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Wilson will approach it with the same resilience and determination that have defined his career to date.