Russell Wilson, a well-established name in the NFL, is set to embark on a new chapter with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Entering his 13th NFL season, Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a track record that speaks volumes about his resilience and skill on the field.
Wilson's storied career has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. One notable statistic is the staggering number of times he has been sacked during his career. Averaging 43.9 sacks per year, Wilson has accumulated a total of 527 sacks. This places him in close proximity to some of the league's most sacked quarterbacks, with Tom Brady holding the official record at 565 sacks and Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record standing at 570 sacks. Projections suggest that Wilson could exceed these figures, potentially reaching around 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season.
In terms of adversaries, Wilson has faced defeat from 29 different NFL teams throughout his career. This season, if the Steelers lose to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, Wilson would have losses to 31 different teams under his belt. Notably, the Steelers are slated to confront the Browns in Weeks 12 and 14, followed by the Eagles in Week 15.
The record for the most teams a quarterback has lost to stands at 30, a milestone shared by ten quarterbacks. Among active players, Derek Carr has also endured losses to 30 different teams, with only the Raiders and the Panthers eluding him. The Saints, Carr's current team, will face the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9. Another quarterback, Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has lost to 30 different teams but has yet to be defeated by the Lions. This fact keeps fans eagerly awaiting Week 12, when the Colts face the Lions.
Steelers' fans are optimistic about the new season as Wilson prepares to lead the team. His unwavering confidence is evident in his statements, "I never had it to keep me going," he shared, 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." This mentality appears to be a cornerstone of his successful career.
Further emphasizing his steadfast approach, Wilson explains, "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." His faith and confidence are likely to be significant factors in how he tackles the upcoming season with the Steelers.
As Week 1 approaches and the Steelers prepare to face the Falcons, Wilson's performance will be under scrutiny, not just from fans but also from potential contender Justin Fields, who is ready to step in if Wilson falters. The Steelers' management and supporters are hopeful that Wilson's leadership and experience will steer the team towards a successful season.
The anticipation is palpable as the new season dawns, bringing with it the promise of thrilling games and the potential rewriting of records. Only time will tell how Wilson and the Steelers will fare, but one thing is certain -- all eyes will be on Pittsburgh's new quarterback as he aims to make his mark in Steelers' history.