PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – For Russell Wilson, being named the Steelers starting quarterback, officially, is not as much about proving people wrong, you have to do that every day. It’s about winning with the Steelers this season.
“I’m not focused on anything old or anything ahead, just focused on right now and the moment,” Wilson said minutes after finding out from Mike Tomlin Wednesday he’s the starter. “What a great moment it is and being locked into that and having a heart of gratitude every day. This game is such a blessing every time you get to do it. I’m just excited to be a Pittsburgh Steeler.”
He didn’t shy away from the goal of winning a Super Bowl, saying it will be a lot of work, but attainable. The 35-year-old said they believe in the room and he’s excited about the challenge.
As Wilson put it, God’s timing is perfect for him. He said he’s been excited about from the time Tomlin, Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick all called him to convince him to be their quarterback this season.
Things were going so well during offseason workouts, even in-between the team organized practices, Wilson was working out with players. The first day of training camp in Latrobe, Wilson suffered a calf injury pushing a sled during conditioning drills. It never seemed to turn in favor of Fields even when Justin was getting the first-team work during 11-on-11 drills. Wilson said he was able to still be at every practice and work on the side so he was always around the team even when he couldn’t go full.
Wilson said he’s had a great relationship with first-year Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. He said Smith is knowledgeable and likes how they want to run the ball, play-action off of that and also most times get the ball out quickly. He also believes in the players in the huddle around him. Wilson also said he and Justin Fields have a great relationship and now it’s about setting the tone and working together.
“Somebody once asked me, what’s the job of a quarterback’?” Wilson said. “It’s to help our football team win and help everybody else get better every day. I think that’s been my focus. I think that’s the great part of this game, it’s not always on you. When you step into that huddle you want to make the 10 other guys better.”
It's Wilson’s 13 th year in the NFL. He believes he’s here for a reason after struggling in Denver. Wilson said he’s overcome adversity and feels like himself again.
How far will that take the Steelers?
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