As the new NFL season approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially named Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, embarking on a new chapter in their storied franchise history. Wilson, who is entering his 13th NFL season, brings a wealth of experience and a notable track record to the Steel City.
Wilson’s career has been marked by both triumph and adversities. One of the most staggering statistics in his career is the number of sacks he has endured—an average of 43.9 times per year, culminating in a total of 527 sacks over his career. This places him among the top quarterbacks who have been sacked most frequently, with Tom Brady holding the official record at 565 sacks. Wilson is projected to surpass this by the end of the 2024 season, potentially reaching approximately 570.9 sacks, which would also eclipse the unofficial record held by Fran Tarkenton with 570 sacks.
This statistic underscores not only Wilson’s durability but his resilience and ability to bounce back, characteristics that are likely to endear him to the Steelers faithful. Reflecting on his mindset and motivation, Wilson states, "I never had it to keep me going. I've never been -- I don't know why -- I've just never been worried about what other people think." It is this steadfast focus and self-assuredness that have propelled him throughout his career.
Wilson’s career has also included its share of defeats, having lost to 29 different NFL teams. The upcoming season presents a unique opportunity for Wilson to potentially increase this number. If he suffers losses to the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, he will join an exclusive club of quarterbacks who have lost to 31 different teams. The Steelers are slated to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15, making these games particularly significant.
Currently, ten quarterbacks share the distinction of having lost to 30 different teams. Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints has achieved this dubious milestone, with only the Raiders and the Panthers eluding him in defeat. The Saints' schedule sees them face these two teams in Week 1 and Week 9 respectively, potentially extending Carr’s record. Similarly, Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has lost to 30 different teams, with the Lions being the only exception. Should Flacco see playing time against the Lions in Week 12, this record too could be extended.
The Steelers are set to face the Falcons in their season opener, marking the beginning of Wilson’s tenure with the team. With the franchise looking to re-establish its dominance in the league, Wilson’s performance will be under intense scrutiny. However, the team has a contingency plan in place with the rising star Justin Fields waiting in the wings. Should Wilson falter, Fields is a viable candidate to take the helm.
Displaying his characteristic unwavering belief, Wilson elaborates on his motivations: "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."
Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers promises to be a narrative filled with both nostalgia and new beginnings, with his past experiences shaping the future of the team. His resilience in the face of challenges and his unwavering confidence make him a fitting leader for the team as they navigate the rigorous demands of the NFL season ahead. The Steelers’ fan base will undoubtedly watch with bated breath as Wilson aims to steer the team to success and potentially carve out new records in the annals of the NFL.