In a bold move destined to impact the NFL landscape, Russell Wilson has been named the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the upcoming season. This appointment marks a significant chapter for Wilson, who is embarking on his 13th NFL season.
Over his illustrious career, Wilson has consistently demonstrated resilience and skill, despite facing considerable physical challenges. Notably, he has been sacked an average of 43.9 times per year, accumulating a staggering total of 527 sacks. This positions him precariously close to breaking records held by legends of the game. Tom Brady currently holds the official sack record at 565, while Fran Tarkenton’s unofficial tally stands at 570. By the end of the 2024 season, projections estimate Wilson will reach approximately 570.9 sacks, potentially eclipsing these towering figures.
The Record Chase
Wilson’s career has seen him contending closely with contemporaries and past greats alike. In addition to Brady's 565 sacks, other quarterbacks with similarly daunting numbers include Ben Roethlisberger with 554 and Aaron Rodgers with 531. Despite—or perhaps because of—these formidable statistics, Wilson remains unfazed by external expectations and pressures.
"I never had it to keep me going," he remarks, dismissing the notion that doubt serves as his motivation. "I've just never been worried about what other people think."
Wilson's approach to the game is profoundly influenced by his faith. "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," he reflects. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
A Season of Potential Milestones
The upcoming season also brings potential career-defining moments for Wilson in terms of team matchups. So far, he has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. Should the Steelers lose to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, Wilson will have expanded that list to 31 teams. The Steelers’ schedule sees them facing the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15.
Wilson is on the cusp of joining an elite group of quarterbacks who have lost to 30 different teams—a list that includes active player Derek Carr and backup Joe Flacco. Carr has lost to every team except the Raiders and the Panthers, while Flacco’s ledger excludes only the Lions. In what promises to be a riveting campaign, Carr's Saints will confront both the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9. Meanwhile, Flacco's Colts have a Week 12 matchup against the Lions, potentially adding to his personal tally.
Leading the Steelers Forward
The Steelers' journey with Wilson as their starting quarterback officially kicks off in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. While Wilson’s presence brings a wealth of experience and potential for on-field success, the team also has contingency plans to ensure competitiveness. Should Wilson falter, young talent Justin Fields stands as a potential contender for the starting quarterback position, underscoring the team’s commitment to sustaining high performance levels.
The integration of Wilson into the Steelers’ roster not only promises to elevate the team’s play but also enriches his storied NFL career further. With a focus on faith and an unshakeable confidence, Wilson is poised to tackle the challenges ahead, irrespective of records and opinions.