The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room for the 2024 season is completely revamped in comparison to the way the position group looked at this point in 2023. Russell Wilson is leading the way at quarterback, and is expected to the starter to begin the season while newly acquired Justin Fields learns from being the backup. Wilson has had a rocky few years since his departure from the Seattle Seahawks. His time with the Denver Broncos was highly publicized, and didn't always paint the best picture of Wilson.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson while with the Denver Broncos in 2023
There were plenty of rumors swirling that Wilson wasn't the best teammate while in Denver, and he even had his own office in the facility, separating himself from the rest of the team.
Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Wilson has spoken about being humbled by his experiences over the last few seasons. His new teammates have had nothing but good things to say about Wilson, including Breiden Fehoko. The defender recently made an appearance on the Gabe Kuhn Show, where he spoke highly about Wilson's presence with the Steelers so far.
"Dude, I love Russ. The first time I came into the locker room, he came up to introduce himself to me. I didn't go up to him, and he does it for everybody. Whether you're a guy that's new here, whether you're a guy that's been here. Every new person that's come through that locker room, I've seen Russ go up to them and introduce himself: 'Hey, I'm Russell Wilson', like I know who you are, bro. You're Russell Wilson."
This completely contradicts the stories that NFL fans have heard about Wilson from his last few years in Seattle and his two seasons in Denver. It's also significant that he is treating every player the same way. Fehoko was on and off the Steelers practice squad during the 2023 season, and didn't appear in a single game, yet Wilson still felt it was important to introduce himself and start a healthy relationship with Fehoko.
It'd be one thing if he was only treating the stars like TJ Watt or George Pickens this way, but doing it to every man on the roster says something about Wilson's leadership.
Ashlee Rezin / Chicago Sun Times
Former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and Chicago Bears signal-caller Justin Fields meet at midfield following a regular season NFL game in Chicago, IL.
Steelers' Fehoko Shuts Down Talk About Wilson Having A 'Fake Persona'
It was often-assumed that Wilson only pretended to be a good leader and teammate for the media, and he actually wasn't that way behind closed doors. This has been a rumor that plagued Wilson throughout his time in Denver, which some of his teammates from his time in Seattle even backed up. It may have been true at some point in Wilson's career, but Fehoko explained that everything Wilson does is completely genuine.
"No, not at all. For the last month and a half I've been here and been around him, he's shown only genuine respect. He's been the same way every time, so it's not a switch-up. What you see is what you get, that guy is genuine. As long as he wins games, everyone is going to continue to love him here."
This should be music to Steelers' fans ears, as the leadership from the quarterback position under Kenny Pickett has been ridiculed ever since he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Steelers now get an experienced veteran at the quarterback position, who has made deep playoff runs and won the Super Bowl.
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Quarterback Russell Wilson during a game with the Denver Broncos
Wilson's time in Denver is considered a failure, but he actually played extremely well during the 2023 season, despite being benched for financial reasons at the end of the year. Wilson started 15 games and threw for 26 touchdowns, which is more than the Steelers quarterbacks threw for over the last two seasons combined. Regardless of how the 2024 season goes for Pittsburgh, Wilson is certainly an upgrade at the position.
Wilson will be helping Pittsburgh in more than one way. Running the offense at a high level will be his main priority, but he also serves as a good mentor for Fields who could be the Steelers quarterback of the future. Based on the way Wilson's teammates have spoken about him, he will take that responsibility seriously.
What do you think about Fehoko's comments on Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
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