The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant announcement for the upcoming NFL season: Russell Wilson has been named their starting quarterback. As Wilson gears up for his 13th NFL season, the veteran quarterback brings a wealth of experience and a storied career to the Steel City.
Wilson's career has been marked by both his resilience and his ability to withstand formidable challenges. Over the years, he has been sacked an average of 43.9 times per year, accumulating an impressive total of 527 sacks. This puts him in striking distance of breaking some notable records. Currently, Tom Brady holds the official record with 565 sacks, but Wilson is projected to surpass this by the end of the 2024 season, potentially reaching an estimated 570.9 sacks. Notably, Fran Tarkenton holds an unofficial record with 570 sacks, making Wilson's journey all the more historic.
Chasing Records and Making History
In the context of quarterbacks who have faced the most challenges in terms of sacks, Wilson's rivals include some prominent names. Close on his heels are Tom Brady with 565, Ben Roethlisberger with 554, and Aaron Rodgers with 531. These statistics highlight not only Wilson's perseverance but also his ability to recover and continue performing at a high level despite the physical toll.
Another fascinating aspect of Wilson's career is his encounters with various NFL teams. Remarkably, he has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different teams. This season, he has the potential to expand that number to 31 if the Steelers lose to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Steelers are set to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15, setting the stage for potentially record-breaking matchups.
Potentially Joining an Exclusive Club
Wilson's journey could see him join an exclusive club of quarterbacks who have lost to 30 different teams. Among active quarterbacks, Derek Carr has already reached this milestone, having lost to every team except the Raiders and the Panthers. The Saints, Carr's current team, will face the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9, giving him the opportunity to expand upon his record.
Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, is another quarterback in this club. Flacco has lost to 30 different teams but has yet to lose to the Lions, a matchup slated for Week 12. These statistics underscore the fierce competitiveness and varying fortunes of NFL quarterbacks.
The Steelers' New Chapter
The Steelers, with Wilson at the helm, embark on a new chapter starting in Week 1 against the Falcons. The decision to bring Wilson on board reflects the team's ambition and the belief that his experience can provide a significant boost. Yet the Steelers remain vigilant, with Justin Fields poised as a potential contender for the starting quarterback position should Wilson falter.
Reflecting on his career and the challenges he has faced, Wilson remains 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."
Wilson's focus is deeply rooted in his faith and a sense of destiny. "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."
As the Steelers look ahead to the season, the combination of Wilson's experience, resilience, and faith will be pivotal. The team and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds, with historical records and team milestones hanging in the balance.