In a stunning move for the upcoming NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have named Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback. Wilson, a seasoned veteran entering his 13th NFL season, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the Steelers' offense. However, his career has not been without challenges, most notably the high number of times he's been sacked.
Wilson's Experience and Journey
Throughout his 12-year career, Wilson has been sacked a staggering 527 times, averaging 43.9 sacks per season. This places him in the unenviable position of being second only to Tom Brady, who holds the official record with 565 sacks. Projections suggest that by the end of the 2024 season, Wilson could reach approximately 570.9 sacks, potentially surpassing Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks.
Despite these daunting numbers, Wilson remains resilient and unfazed by external opinions. "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." His confidence and unwavering focus have been cornerstones of his career, as he continues to rely on his faith and personal conviction. "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."
Facing New Challenges with the Steelers
Wilson's tenure with the Steelers presents new opportunities and challenges. Starting the season against the Atlanta Falcons, he will be keen to make an immediate impact. However, potential difficulties loom on the horizon with the Steelers' matchups against teams like the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles. Historically, Wilson has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. Should he lose to both the Browns and the Eagles this season, he will join the unfortunate ranks of quarterbacks who have lost to 31 different teams.
The Steelers are set to face the Browns twice in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15. These games will be pivotal, not only for the team's playoff hopes but also for Wilson’s legacy. Within NFL circles, only ten quarterbacks have lost to 30 different teams. Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr has experienced losses to 30 different teams, with the exception of the Raiders and the Panthers. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has also faced defeats from 30 different teams, having been spared only by the Lions. Intriguingly, the Colts will play the Lions in Week 12, presenting a potential landmark in Flacco's career.
The Path Ahead for Wilson
Russell Wilson's journey with the Steelers will not be without competition. Justin Fields, seen as a potential contender for the starting quarterback position, may get his chance if Wilson falters. Such competition will undoubtedly keep both players sharp and focused on delivering their best performances.
The Steelers' management and fans alike will be eager to see how Wilson adapts to his new environment and whether he can lead the team to success. His resilience, combined with a wealth of experience and an unshakeable belief in his abilities, make Wilson a formidable presence on the field. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this new chapter in Wilson's illustrious career develops.