Russell Wilson’s journey in the NFL has taken a new turn as he has been named the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the upcoming season. Entering his 13th NFL season, Wilson's illustrious career has seen its share of highs and lows.
Wilson's durability in one of the league’s most demanding positions is remarkable. With an average of 43.9 sacks per year, he has been taken down a total of 527 times over his career. These figures place him on track to potentially surpass Tom Brady's official record of 565 sacks by the end of the 2024 season, as well as Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks. He’s projected to reach approximately 570.9 sacks, highlighting the relentless pressure he has faced over his career.
Close behind Wilson in career sack totals include notable quarterbacks like Tom Brady (565), Ben Roethlisberger (554), and Aaron Rodgers (531). Despite the challenges, Wilson remains unfazed by the daunting statistics. "I never had it to keep me going," Wilson said about doubters. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think."
For the Steelers, Wilson brings both experience and resilience. This season will start a new chapter for the team, beginning with a matchup against the Falcons in Week 1. However, Wilson faces a unique challenge. He has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. Losing to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season would increase that number to 31. The Steelers are set to play the Browns in Weeks 12 and 14, and the Eagles in Week 15.
Wilson’s mindset remains steadfast and rooted in his 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," he shared. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
Notably, achieving losses against 30 different teams is a rare and somewhat dubious distinction. Ten quarterbacks have already reached that number. Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr has lost to 30 different teams, with only the Raiders and the Panthers escaping defeat against him so far. Carr's Saints will face these two teams in Week 1 (Raiders) and Week 9 (Panthers). Another player who has joined this list is Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts. Flacco has not lost to the Lions, a matchup set for Week 12.
The Steelers’ decision to bring in an experienced quarterback like Wilson signals their commitment to improving their game strategy. Should Wilson encounter difficulties, Justin Fields is a viable contender for the starting quarterback position. This reflects the team's readiness to adapt and strive for success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Wilson’s ability to navigate the myriad challenges of professional football, both physical and mental, stands as a testament to his resilience and dedication. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Steelers, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, anticipating how his experience and perseverance will shape the team's prospects in the upcoming season.