Steelers Name Russell Wilson as Starting QB Amidst Record-Breaking Career
The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that Russell Wilson will be their starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season, marking a significant chapter in Wilson's illustrious career. As he enters his 13th NFL season, Wilson’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, having faced numerous challenges and etched his name into the annals of football history.
Wilson, a veteran signal-caller, has been a force in the league since his debut. Despite the accolades, one statistic stands out – the number of times he has been sacked. Over his career, Wilson has been taken down an average of 43.9 times per season, totaling 527 sacks. This places him in close competition with some of the most notorious quarterbacks in this grim statistic. Tom Brady holds the official record with 565 sacks, while the unofficial record is held by Fran Tarkenton with 570 sacks. Projections suggest that Wilson, with his current trajectory, will surpass both records, reaching approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season.
Quarterbacks who are near Wilson’s tally in terms of sacks include Tom Brady with 565, Ben Roethlisberger at 554, and Aaron Rodgers with 531. The company he keeps in this regard underscores the inherent risks and physical toll that come with the territory of being a premier NFL quarterback.
Among the other challenging aspects of Wilson's career are the defeats he has endured. He has lost to 29 different NFL teams throughout his playing years. If he suffers losses to the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, that number will rise to 31 different teams. The Steelers are slated to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15, games that could potentially bring Wilson closer to this unique milestone. It's a statistic shared by only a few distinguished quarterbacks, with ten having lost to 30 different teams. Among active players, Derek Carr has faced defeat from 30 different teams, only managing to avoid losses to the Raiders and Panthers. Joe Flacco, now with the Colts, mirrors this record, having eluded a loss to the Lions, whom the Colts will meet in Week 12.
Reflecting on these tribulations and his resilience, Wilson candidly shares his perspective on dealing with doubt: "I never had it to keep me going. I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think." Such an unwavering mindset emphasizes his singular focus and inner belief, cornerstones of his success.
Additionally, Wilson attributes a substantial part of his journey to 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. I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day." His remarks provide a window into the motivations that drive him, as well as his acknowledgment of his rare and privileged position among professional athletes.
The Steelers' season will begin with Wilson at the helm in Week 1 against the Falcons, a game that will set the tone for their campaign. Yet, the team's dynamic could shift if Wilson struggles, with Justin Fields standing as a potential contender for the starting quarterback role.
As Russell Wilson takes on this new journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers, both his remarkable career statistics and his personal convictions shape the foundation of what promises to be another compelling chapter in his NFL story. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how this seasoned quarterback navigates the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.