Analyst rips Steelers for controversial Russell Wilson decision

Some were surprised to learn on Monday that the Pittsburgh Steelers had selected veteran quarterback Russell Wilson as a team captain less than a full week after head coach Mike Tomlin publicly confirmed Wilson would enter the season as the starter instead of Justin Fields.

Former NFL player and current analyst Emmanuel Acho explained during Tuesday's edition of FS1's "The Facility" program why he disagrees with Wilson featuring as a Steelers captain .

"I got a huge issue with it," Acho said, as shared by Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "Here's my issue with it. Russell Wilson, I believe, is one of the greatest men I have ever met in my life. We came into the National Football League together. Russell Wilson is probably one of the best leaders of men in society. My issue is this: Don't name a captain you might bench."

While some wondered throughout the spring if Wilson could "be a normal guy in the locker room" after he allegedly lost Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos teammates over the past several seasons, it became clear before training camp opened that Tomlin preferred to start the one-time Super Bowl champion over Fields. Fellow team captains praised Wilson's leadership abilities on Monday, but many within the NFL community simply believe the 35-year-old is past his physical prime.

According to StatMuse , no quarterback took more sacks than Wilson (100) across the two regular seasons he spent with the Broncos. Per Pro Football Reference, he ended last campaign ranked 21st in the NFL among qualified players with a 50.7 adjusted QBR and tied for 23rd with a 43.3% passing success rate.

For what it's worth, the Steelers aren't the only team that will enter Week 1 with a quarterback who may end the season as a benched spectator serving as a captain. New York Giants players recently chose signal-caller Daniel Jones as a captain even though it's no secret the Giants could sit a healthy Jones at any point this fall so they can escape his contract in March 2025.

Neither Wilson nor Fields is signed beyond the 2024 season , but the Steelers had to have at least one offensive captain heading into this Sunday's regular-season opener at the Atlanta Falcons. Regardless of Monday's developments, Wilson likely understands he still has plenty to prove as it pertains to remaining Pittsburgh's QB1 for more than a handful of games.