As the Pittsburgh Steelers embark on a new chapter this NFL season, all eyes are on Russell Wilson, who has been named the starting quarterback. Stepping into his 13th NFL season, Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a storied career to the Steelers. The veteran quarterback is not just known for his dynamic play on the field but also for his resilience, having endured an average of 43.9 sacks per year, culminating in a whopping total of 527 sacks over his career.
Wilson's perseverance in the face of such statistics speaks volumes. "I never had it to keep me going," he states, reflecting on whether doubt drives him. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think." It's this unshakable confidence that the Steelers hope will propel them forward this season, starting with their opener against the Falcons in Week 1.
Wilson is on the cusp of setting a new NFL record for sacks, edging closer to Tom Brady's official record of 565 sacks and Fran Tarkenton's unofficial tally of 570. If projections hold, Wilson could reach approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season, positioning him at the forefront of NFL history in this daunting statistic. Fellow quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers, with totals of 554 and 531 sacks respectively, can attest to the sort of wear and tear such a career brings.
Beyond the numbers, Wilson's mindset remains focused and spiritual. "I think ultimately I focus on, as I mentioned to you guys -- obviously my faith means everything to me," he explains. "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."
In addition to his legacy with sacks, Wilson has another peculiar accolade within reach: defeats by nearly every team in the NFL. To date, he has suffered losses to 29 different teams. If the Steelers stumble against both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, Wilson will join a notable group of quarterbacks who have been defeated by 31 different teams. The Steelers will face the Browns twice in Weeks 12 and 14, and the Eagles in Week 15, presenting Wilson with the opportunity to stand on this unique threshold.
Ten quarterbacks have already lost to 30 different teams, including active players like Derek Carr, who has only avoided defeats at the hands of the Raiders and the Panthers, whom his Saints will face in Weeks 1 and 9 respectively. Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, also fits this rare criterion, having lost to 30 different teams but never to the Lions, with their matchup slated for Week 12.
The Steelers are not solely reliant on Wilson, knowing that the longevity and physical demands of his career may necessitate a backup plan. Justin Fields has emerged as a strong candidate who could step up if Wilson falters. Fields' readiness to assume the starting position ensures that the Steelers have depth and resilience as they navigate the challenges ahead.
The anticipation for this season is palpable, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how Wilson adapts to his new role with the Steelers and whether he can help steer the team to success. His confidence, bolstered by faith and experience, sets a compelling stage for what promises to be an intriguing NFL season.