Former Wisconsin icon Russell Wilson discusses preseason performance

Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson addressed the media following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ final preseason game of 2024 on Saturday.

Wilson, who notched 47 yards in Pittsburgh’s second preseason contest vs. the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17, played in the opening series for Mike Tomlin’s squad. In those select plays, Wilson went 2/2 for 26 yards to help guide the Steelers to an opening drive touchdown.

“I thought we did a really good job as a collective effort on offense,” Wilson said. “Obviously George [Pickens] doing a good job on that 3rd and 11 conversion. He ran a great route, great protection. I thought our guys did a really good job of getting up and down the field.”

The play Wilson is referring to arrived on the Steelers’ opening drive of the contest. Facing a deep 3rd down scenario, Wilson stepped back in a clean pocket and heaved to Pickens near the left sideline.

Wilson and former Chicago Bear Justin Fields, who completed three passes for 40 yards in the preseason finale, have been engaged in somewhat of a quarterback battle during the offseason.

While all signs point to Wilson snagging the starting gig over Fields, the former Buckeye’s dynamism has prompted many talking heads to criticize the long-time Seattle Seahawk.

Nonetheless, Wilson’s main objective revolves around team success.

“Our number one objective was to go up and down the field and score,” Wilson said. “I was ready to play however long coach wanted me to. Whenever I came off the sideline, he [signaled] ‘hey, you’re done.’ Our other guys did [well] too. I thought Justin did [well].”

Here is Wilson’s entire six-minute presser following Saturday’s bout.

Pittsburgh begins its season against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8. Wilson, who starred as a Badger during his sole season in Madison, will likely take the first snap of that contest.