In a significant twist for the upcoming NFL season, Russell Wilson has been announced as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As he enters his 13th NFL season, Wilson's journey has already been marked by numerous milestones and records, some of which he continues to inch closer to, and some he seems set to break outright.
Wilson's tenure in the NFL has seen him withstand a tremendous amount of physical pressure, evidenced by his career total of 527 sacks. Averaging 43.9 sacks per season, Wilson trails only Tom Brady's official record of 565 sacks and Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks. Projections indicate that by the end of the 2024 season, Wilson may surpass Tarkenton’s number with approximately 570.9 sacks.
A Season of New Challenges
Wilson's adaptability and resilience on the field have kept him competitive for over a decade. However, his perseverance has not only been metabolic but also driven by an unshakable mindset. "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."
In addition to chasing sack records, Wilson is also on the brink of another unique record. He has been defeated by 29 different NFL teams throughout his career. This season, if the Steelers fall to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, Wilson will have suffered losses to 31 different teams. The Steelers face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15, which could further enshrine Wilson’s name in an unusual niche of NFL history.
The reality of facing diverse challenges has never fazed Wilson, who maintains an unwavering focus on the bigger picture. "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." His faith continues to be a cornerstone in his approach to the game and his life.
Surpassing the Greats
As Wilson finds himself contending for these records, he is in esteemed company. The list of quarterbacks with close sack totals includes legendary names like Tom Brady (565), Ben Roethlisberger (554), and Aaron Rodgers (531). It's a testament to Wilson's durability and skill that he is mentioned among these stalwarts of the sport.
Moreover, Wilson shares another peculiar list with a handful of active and retired quarterbacks: those who've lost to 30 different NFL teams. Among active players, Derek Carr is one such quarterback. The only teams Carr has yet to lose to are the Raiders and the Panthers. Intriguingly, the Saints, Carr’s current team, will face the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has lost to 30 different teams but remains unscathed by the Lions, whom the Colts will face in Week 12.
New Beginnings with the Steelers
As Wilson embarks on this new chapter with the Steelers, he acknowledges the weight of expectations while embracing the fresh start. The Steelers' campaign kicks off in Week 1 against the Falcons, and the anticipation is palpable. Should Wilson falter, Justin Fields stands as a potential contender for the starting position, keeping pressure and competition high.
In summary, Russell Wilson's addition to the Steelers brings not only a skilled and seasoned quarterback to the roster but also a long list of potential records and milestones that could be made or broken this season. Wilson’s blend of experience, faith, and resilience promises to make the Steelers' journey this season an intriguing story to follow.