As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to launch their new era, Russell Wilson has been named the starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season. This move marks Wilson's 13th NFL season and opens a significant chapter in his illustrious career. However, the challenges and milestones facing Wilson are as daunting as they are historic.
Wilson's Record and Experiences
Over the years, Wilson has been known for his resilience and tenacity on the field. Unfortunately, part of that story includes enduring an extraordinary number of sacks—a total of 527 so far. Averaging about 43.9 sacks per season, Wilson is inching closer to an unenviable milestone. With Tom Brady holding the official record for the most sacks at 565, Wilson is projected to surpass this number and reach approximately 570.9 by the end of the 2024 season. This would place him ahead of even the unofficial record held by Fran Tarkenton at 570 sacks.
Wilson isn't the only quarterback who has taken such a beating. Close competitors in the sack race include Tom Brady with 565, Ben Roethlisberger with 554, and Aaron Rodgers with 531. Despite these daunting statistics, Wilson remains focused and driven, emphasizing his faith and purpose. "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 Unshakeable Focus
Wilson's approach to the game extends beyond physical preparation. "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." This strong foundation of faith and fortitude will be essential as he navigates the forthcoming challenges with the Steelers.
Facing New and Old Foes
Yet, it’s not just about the sacks. Wilson has another unique statistic hanging over him—he has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. Should he lose to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, Wilson would find himself in a group of quarterbacks who have lost to 31 different teams. The Steelers will face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15, setting the stage for potentially record-setting outcomes.
This statistic resonates among other quarterbacks as well. Ten quarterbacks have lost to 30 different teams, and among the active quarterbacks, Derek Carr is one with losses to 30 different teams. The only teams Carr has not lost to are the Raiders and the Panthers, whom the Saints will face in Week 1 and Week 9 respectively. Similarly, Joe Flacco, currently a backup with the Colts, has 30 teams on his losing list, with the Lions being the only team he has not yet lost to. The Colts' Week 12 matchup against the Lions might complete his list.
Steelers' New Chapter
For the Steelers, the hope is that the addition of Wilson will spark a turnaround. The new chapter with Wilson at the helm begins in Week 1 against the Falcons. Should Wilson falter, Justin Fields is a potential contender for the starting quarterback position, ready to step in and lead the team. The upcoming season will test Wilson's mettle and potentially mark significant milestones in his career.
As Russell Wilson embarks on his 13th NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the narratives of resilience, history, and faith intertwine. While the numbers paint a picture of daunting challenges ahead, Wilson's unwavering focus and faith continue to be his driving forces, as he prepares to lead his new team into battle.