As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the upcoming NFL season, they have made a significant announcement: Russell Wilson will be stepping in as the starting quarterback. Wilson, entering his 13th NFL season, brings with him a wealth of experience and a resume filled with noteworthy achievements and challenges.
Breaking New Ground
Wilson's career has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past 12 seasons, he has been sacked a total of 527 times, averaging 43.9 sacks per year. This places him amongst an elite group of quarterbacks who have endured such high pressure over their careers. Tom Brady holds the official record with 565 sacks, a number Wilson is projected to surpass by the end of the 2024 season with an estimated 570.9 sacks.
Interestingly, Fran Tarkenton holds an unofficial record of 570 sacks, placing Wilson in striking distance of this unofficial milestone as well. Other quarterbacks who have faced similar trials include Ben Roethlisberger with 554 sacks and Aaron Rodgers with 531 sacks.
Facing Adversity
Wilson has also faced adversity from another angle, having suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. This season, if he encounters losses against both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, he will extend this unfortunate record to 31 different teams—becoming one of the quarterbacks to lose to almost every team in the league. The Steelers are set to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, followed by the Eagles in Week 15.
This kind of resilience is not unfamiliar to Wilson, who reflects on his career challenges with a sense of purpose. "I never had it to keep me going," he states, 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."
Faith and Focus
Wilson's guiding star throughout these trials has been his unwavering 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 explains. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
New Beginnings
The Steelers' journey with Wilson will commence in Week 1 against the Falcons. While the team is optimistic about this new chapter, they also have Justin Fields on the bench as a potential starting quarterback should Wilson falter. This speaks volumes about the Steelers' preparedness and their strategic planning for the season ahead.
Elsewhere in the NFL, other quarterbacks are also nearing significant milestones. Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr has lost to 30 different teams, with the Raiders and the Panthers being the only exceptions. The Saints, Carr's current team, will face the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9. Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, also joins the club of quarterbacks with losses against 30 different teams. Flacco's remaining challenge is the Lions, with the Colts scheduled to meet them in Week 12.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Wilson and the Steelers. Can he lead his new team to success and perhaps alter the narrative surrounding his extensive experience of being sacked? With faith as his anchor and a renewed focus, Wilson is ready to take on this fresh opportunity, showcasing his resilience and determination.