Steelers QB Justin Fields says Broncos ‘did dirty’ QB Russell Wilson after Denver loss

Justin Fields beat the Broncos and took a parting shot before leaving Empower Field.

The Steelers starting quarterback, following a 13-6 victory on Sunday, discussed motivation provided by Russell Wilson. The ex-Broncos quarterback now with Pittsburgh did not play against his former team with a calf injury.

“I think we all know Russ got kinda 'did dirty' last year,” Fields said at his postgame news conference. “So, I knew he wished he could have played today in this game. But it’s awesome getting that win for him.”

The roast continued. He said the Steelers gave Wilson a “petty game ball” for his return to Denver.

“It’s great getting a (win) for Russ, for sure,” Fields said.

Wilson spoke briefly with The Denver Gazette in the postgame visiting locker room at Empower Field.

“I’m just grateful that we came in here and got a huge team win,” Wilson said. “Everybody played great. I thought we stepped up to the challenge.”

Wilson predictably took the high road in his first game back in Denver.

The 35-year-old started his on-field workout three hours before kickoff. Wilson — an emergency third-string QB — later dressed in full pads with eye black. He joined Steelers captains for the coin toss. Wilson patrolled the sidelines with Pittsburgh coaches, often with hands on hips, intently watching most plays.

But a quick visual scan of Empower Field did not reveal many No. 3 Wilson jerseys among the crowd. That’s no surprise given his lack of Broncos success (11-19 over two years) and his unceremonious benching in 2023 with two games left in the regular season.

The Broncos released Wilson in March and incurred an $85-million cap hit.

Wilson joined a prayer circle at midfield with Steelers and Broncos following the game. He also shouted out multiple players — including wide receiver Courtland Sutton, left tackle Garrett Bolles and running back Javonte Williams — as Broncos that he still considers friends.

“I have a ton of gratitude for my teammates here. A lot of great people and friends,” Wilson said. “There are a lot of guys over there that I really regard and respect.”