Russell Wilson, the seasoned quarterback entering his 13th NFL season, has been officially named the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The announcement marks a significant chapter for both Wilson and the Steelers franchise as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Wilson's Career and Challenges
Throughout his illustrious career, Wilson has not only garnered accolades but also faced substantial challenges. Over 12 seasons, he has been sacked a staggering 527 times, averaging 43.9 sacks per year. Despite this, Wilson's resilience remains unwavering. Tom Brady currently holds the record for the most sacks in NFL history with 565, but Wilson is on track to surpass this with a projected total of approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season. Interestingly, Fran Tarkenton holds an unofficial record with 570 sacks, a milestone Wilson is likely to eclipse.
Wilson joins a rarefied group of quarterbacks with a high number of career sacks, counting Tom Brady (565), Ben Roethlisberger (554), and Aaron Rodgers (531) among his peers. The sheer volume of sacks endured by these quarterbacks underscores their durability and longevity in one of the most physically demanding positions in sports.
Facing Every Adversity
Wilson's career is marked not only by his hard-earned triumphs but also by the breadth of his defeats. He has experienced losses to 29 different NFL teams. Should the Steelers fall to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, Wilson's tally will rise to 31 different teams—a feat few quarterbacks have achieved. The Steelers are scheduled to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15.
Among the elite group of quarterbacks, ten have lost to 30 different teams. Derek Carr, an active quarterback, shares this distinction, with only the Raiders and the Panthers missing from his list. Carr's team will encounter the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9. Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has also lost to 30 teams, with the Lions being the sole exception. The Colts' Week 12 game against the Lions could see Flacco complete his own collection of team defeats.
Steelers' New Chapter
The Steelers, embarking on a fresh journey with Wilson at the helm, open their season against the Falcons in Week 1. While Wilson's starting position is firmly established, the shadow of competition looms. Justin Fields, noted for his potential, has been highlighted as a possible contender for the starting quarterback role should Wilson falter.
Wilson, however, appears unfazed by the challenges and the scrutiny that come with being an NFL quarterback. "I never had it to keep me going," he says, referring to whether doubt drives him. "I've never been — I don't know why — I've just never been worried about what other people think." His confidence is deeply rooted in his faith and sense of purpose. "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 explains. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
As the Steelers and their fans anticipate the kickoff of the new season, all eyes will be on Wilson to lead the team with the same resilience and determination that have characterized his career. The journey promises to be a compelling narrative of perseverance, faith, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of considerable odds.