Russell Wilson has made headlines once again, this time as he takes the helm for the Pittsburgh Steelers as their starter for the upcoming NFL season. Entering his 13th NFL season, Wilson brings with him a wealth of experience and an impressive track record, albeit one that carries its share of wear and tear.
A Veteran Quarterback with Enduring Resilience
Wilson’s career has been marked by his relentless determination and resilience on the field. Over the years, he has been sacked an average of 43.9 times per year, leading to a staggering total of 527 sacks. This number places him among the most frequently sacked quarterbacks in NFL history, with only Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger ahead of him.
Despite the physical demands and the challenges that come with such a statistic, Wilson's perspective remains grounded in his faith and his deep commitment to the game. "I never had it to keep me going," he said, 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."
Chasing Records and Facing New Challenges
Wilson is projected to reach approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season, edging past Fran Tarkenton's unofficial record of 570 sacks and Tom Brady's official record of 565 sacks. This milestone, while indicative of his durability and longevity, also underscores the battering he has endured. Fellow quarterbacks such as Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers, with 554 and 531 sacks respectively, share a similar history of resilience.
In addition to his sacks, Wilson has faced tough losses against a diverse array of NFL teams. To date, he has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different teams. This upcoming season presents a unique challenge: if the Steelers falter against the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, Wilson will set another record by losing to 31 different NFL teams. The Steelers are slated to encounter the Browns in Weeks 12 and 14 and the Eagles in Week 15.
New Beginnings with the Steelers
Wilson’s journey with the Steelers begins in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. The team is hopeful that his proven track record and leadership can usher in a new era of success. However, the Steelers have Justin Fields waiting in the wings, ready to step in if Wilson falters. This potential competition could provide an additional layer of motivation for Wilson, though he seems unfazed by external pressures.
Wilson attributes his focus and drive to his spiritual beliefs, something that has been a cornerstone of his career. "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."
Across the League: Notable Mentions
Interestingly, the narrative of quarterbacks with a high number of losses against different teams extends beyond Wilson. Derek Carr, another active quarterback, has lost to 30 different teams, with only the Raiders and the Panthers missing from his list. Carr will face these teams in Week 1 and Week 9, respectively, and could join the ranks of those who have lost to 31 different teams.
Similarly, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Indianapolis Colts, has experienced defeat at the hands of 30 different teams, with the Detroit Lions being the sole exception. The Colts and Lions are set to face off in Week 12, presenting another possible addition to this unique list.
The Road Ahead
As Wilson embarks on this new chapter with the Steelers, the NFL community watches closely. His ability to lead, inspire, and perform under pressure remains unquestioned. Whether he breaks records for sacks or losses, Wilson has already cemented his legacy as a quarterback who persistently faces challenges head-on, embodying the true spirit of the game.