In a surprising turn of events, Russell Wilson has been named the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the upcoming NFL season. Entering his 13th season in the NFL, Wilson's career is a testament to resilience and performance under pressure.
Wilson's tenure in the league has been marked by numerous accomplishments and a few grim statistics. One of the most staggering figures is the average number of times he has been sacked: 43.9 times per year. Over his career, he has accumulated a total of 527 sacks. As he gears up for another season, Wilson is on pace to surpass the official sack record held by Tom Brady, who has been sacked 565 times. By the end of the 2024 season, projections suggest Wilson could reach approximately 570.9 sacks, potentially exceeding even Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks.
Despite these daunting numbers, Wilson remains undeterred. "I never had it to keep me going," he says, speaking about whether doubt motivates him. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think." His focus remains unwavering, bolstered by his 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," Wilson explains. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
Wilson’s journey has also been a rollercoaster in terms of results, with losses against 29 different NFL teams. This upcoming season provides an intriguing subplot: if Wilson loses to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, he will have experienced defeats at the hands of 31 different teams. The Steelers are set to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15. Notably, ten quarterbacks have lost to 30 different teams, placing Wilson in a unique and less-than-desirable category. Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr shares the dubious distinction of having lost to 30 different teams, with the Raiders and the Panthers being the only exceptions. The Saints, with Carr at the helm, will face the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9.
Adding another layer to this narrative, veteran Joe Flacco, now serving as a backup with the Colts, has also lost to 30 different teams, save for the Lions. The Colts will go head-to-head with the Lions in Week 12, presenting Flacco with the possibility to expand this list.
The Steelers' new chapter with Wilson begins in Week 1 against the Falcons. However, his role isn’t entirely secure. Young gun Justin Fields stands as a potential contender for the starting quarterback position should Wilson’s performance falter. Mentored through ups and downs, Wilson’s journey is far from over and continues to encapsulate the sheer unpredictability that defines professional football.
This coming season may also see Wilson further cementing his place in the complex statistical tapestry of the NFL. Still, his singular focus remains on the game itself. As he faces tough matchups and the relentless pressure of expectation, Wilson’s mindset is emblematic of an athlete committed to the sport he loves, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead.
For many NFL fans and analysts, these developments are worth keeping an eye on. Will Wilson defy the odds and lead the Steelers to a memorable season? Or will the weight of accumulated sacks and diverse defeats define his legacy in a different light? Only time will reveal these answers, but for now, the early chapters of this new phase in Wilson's career are poised to be as compelling as any in recent NFL history.