Steelers' Russell Wilson Wooed By The Incredible Time Investment From Pittsburgh's Players And Coaches

The Pittsburgh Steelers did something this offseason that not many fans would have predicted a year ago; they signed quarterback Russell Wilson from the Denver Broncos. After two disappointing seasons with Kenny Pickett under center, they had to make a change. Wilson had just finished a frustrating season in Denver, one that saw the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback benched due to a contract dispute.

During his introductory press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, Wilson told the media this wasn't about money, it was about winning. To hear Wilson tell it, the sales job was one that was shouldered by many. Wilson said in the time leading up to choosing Pittsburgh, he spoke with defensive captain Cameron Heyward, Head Coach Mike Tomlin, and General Manager Omar Khan.     

"I got to talk to Cam Heyward for an hour on face time, it was this cool experience of a guy who's been at the top of his game for so long, but also a man who's made a difference. He solidified himself as one of the best players, interior, in the game. The next day, I got to talk to Omar and Coach Tomlin on Zoom. It's supposed to be a 15-20 minute conversation and next thing you know, it's an hour and a half later."

But the calls didn't end there. As word spread throughout the team that they were interested in Wilson, his phone was ringing off the hook. He said a host of players including T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick called and interrupted his talk with Khan and Tomlin.

"As we're on the call, Minkah's calling, so I get off the call with them and get to FaceTime Minkah. And Minkah goes, 'You like to compete? You like to get after it? You like to win?' I said, 'Of course I do.' Just the banter back and forth, the love of the game. Then I got to talk to T.J. and just his energy, his focus, his detail, of wanting to be the best in the world every time he steps between the white lines. Then I got to come here and put my feet on the ground in the city, see the energy of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the fans, all of that was a big part of it for me," expressed Wilson.

Wilson added that he met Pat Freiermuth and George Pickens, among other players and seemed to relish the encouragement he got to come to Pittsburgh. He said he could feel it, this is where he wanted to be. Wilson said it is a true honor to wear Black and Gold and to be a part of such an incredible tradition. To him, winning is a habit and that is a habit that Tomlin has. Once you have won it all, like Tomlin and Wilson have, nothing else will satisfy you.   

According to the organization, Wilson will be competing with Pickett in camp for the starting job. However, after watching the 12-year vet command his audience during the press conference, it is difficult to envision him taking a backseat. 

Steelers And Russell Wilson Might Find Their Perfect Fit With Each Other

While Wilson seemed to struggle in Denver, not all of what occurred was on his shoulders. The incredibly disorganized franchise put the whole team on Wilson's back and expected him to carry them to the playoffs in return for the huge contract they gave him. Unfortunately, things between him and new Head Coach Sean Payton were not good. 

Payton was brought in for Wilson's second season and the two were immediately like oil and water. Wilson performed much better under a defensive-minded coach like he had with the Seattle Seahawks in Pete Carroll. Payton is more of an offensive coach. Tomlin, like Carroll, is a defensive guru and will be more likely to take a hands-off approach with the offense. 

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