As Russell Wilson enters his 13th NFL season, he finds himself in a new uniform with the Pittsburgh Steelers, stepping into the role of starting quarterback. Wilson brings with him a career filled with both accolades and challenges, highlighted by his impressive resilience on the field.
Wilson's Career and Statistics
Wilson's journey in the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, he has been sacked an average of 43.9 times per season, which has accumulated to a staggering total of 527 sacks in his career. This feat places him in close proximity to some of the league's most storied quarterbacks. Notably, Tom Brady holds the official record with 565 sacks, while Fran Tarkenton holds an unofficial record with 570 sacks. Wilson is projected to surpass these totals, potentially reaching approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season.
Wilson's endurance in the face of relentless defensive pressure is a testament to his durability and determination. Brady, Ben Roethlisberger (554 sacks), and Aaron Rodgers (531 sacks) are other notable quarterbacks who have endured a similar number of sacks, highlighting the physical toll the position demands.
Facing Adversity
Defeat is an inevitable part of an NFL quarterback's career, and Wilson is no stranger to it. He has sustained losses at the hands of 29 different NFL teams throughout his career. As the Steelers prepare to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, Wilson has the potential to increase that number. Should he lose to both teams, he will join the ranks of quarterbacks who have been defeated by 31 different teams.
This feat is not unprecedented. Ten quarterbacks have encountered losses against 30 different teams, with Derek Carr standing out among active players. The only teams that Carr has not lost to are the Raiders and the Panthers, whom his team, the Saints, will face in Week 1 and Week 9, respectively. Similarly, Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, shares this record, having avoided a loss to only the Lions, a contest set for Week 12.
New Beginnings with the Steelers
For the Steelers, Wilson's arrival marks the dawn of a new chapter. The team will kick off their season against the Falcons in Week 1, with the spotlight firmly on Wilson. Amidst the pressure and expectations, Wilson's mindset remains unwavering.
"I never had it to keep me going," Wilson reflects on any doubts that might have driven his career. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think."
Wilson's faith also plays a central role in his life and career. "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," he explains.
Potential Challenges
Despite Wilson's impressive track record, his position as the starter is not guaranteed. Should he falter, Justin Fields is poised as a potential contender to take over the starting quarterback role for the Steelers. This internal competition underscores the high stakes nature of Wilson's new role and the NFL at large. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining how Wilson adapts to his new team and whether he can lead the Steelers to success.
Russell Wilson's career with the Steelers begins amid much anticipation and high stakes. With significant records within reach and a fresh start on the horizon, the upcoming season promises to be a defining chapter in his illustrious NFL journey. As he takes the field, the eyes of fans and pundits alike will be trained on how this seasoned quarterback navigates his latest challenge.