As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the upcoming NFL season, the spotlight falls squarely on their newly named starter, Russell Wilson. With an impressive resume spanning 13 seasons, Wilson’s career has been marked by resilience and remarkable performances. However, the upcoming season presents new challenges and potential milestones that will further etch his name into NFL history.
Wilson is no stranger to adversity. Over the course of his career, he has been sacked a staggering 527 times, averaging 43.9 sacks per year. This consistent pressure has brought him within striking distance of NFL records — both official and unofficial. Currently, Tom Brady holds the official record with 565 sacks, but Wilson is projected to surpass this, potentially reaching approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season. This would eclipse the unofficial record held by Fran Tarkenton, who was sacked 570 times. It’s a dubious honor, but one that underscores Wilson's durability and longevity in the league.
The elite group of quarterbacks who have experienced similar trials includes Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rodgers, who have been sacked 565, 554, and 531 times respectively. As Wilson stands on the precipice of breaking longstanding records, he also reflects on his career with a sense of purpose and unwavering confidence. "I never had it to keep me going," he states, in reference 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."
For Wilson, it’s more than statistics and records that define his journey. His deep faith and belief in a higher calling have been central to 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." This perspective has undoubtedly fueled his perseverance and success.
The Steelers’ schedule this season offers Wilson an opportunity to face some familiar foes. He has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different NFL teams. Should the Steelers lose to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season, Wilson will have losses to 31 different teams. The Steelers are set to face the Browns in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15. It's a challenging slate that could see Wilson join a select group of quarterbacks who have lost to 30 different teams, including active quarterback Derek Carr, who has only notched losses against the Raiders and Panthers. The Saints, Carr’s current team, are scheduled to play the Raiders in Week 1 and the Panthers in Week 9.
Another notable quarterback, Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, shares this distinction, having lost to 30 different teams. The Colts' matchup against the Lions in Week 12 represents a potential new low for Flacco, as Detroit is the only team he has not lost to.
As the Steelers prepare for their season opener against the Falcons in Week 1, Wilson's impact and experience loom large. Yet, the presence of Justin Fields as a potential contender for the starting quarterback position adds an additional layer of intrigue. Should Wilson falter, Fields may be called upon to steer the team.
For the Steelers and Wilson, the season represents the start of a new chapter. As Wilson takes the field, the weight of past seasons and the promise of future achievements will undoubtedly drive him. Whether breaking records or withstanding pressures, Russell Wilson remains a figure defined by resilience, faith, and an unyielding spirit.