Steelers' Russell Wilson "Super Excited" To Start; Feels Hard Work Has Paid Off

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin finally made the announcement on Wednesday that most fans assumed was coming: Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback for Week 1 in Atlanta. This should not be a surprise to anyone. Tomlin has said from the start that Wilson would have "pole position" over Justin Fields based on his experience and success in the league.

The Steelers, who struggled the past two seasons with Kenny Pickett under center, were eager to sign Wilson. They hoped he would bring a veteran presence to the team and allow Pickett time to develop. When Pickett was unhappy with the arrangement and requested a trade, the Steelers then traded for Fields in a subsequent move.

Wilson was asked how he felt about Tomlin's announcement and how he is the fourth different starting quarterback in four years. According to a video shared on X by TribLIVE reporter Chris Adamski, Wilson is thrilled to start.       

"I'm super excited," said Wilson. "Obviously, I came here to help us win, and that's the focus. The best part is how hard we've all worked every day, all the way from OTAs [Organized Team Activites] to Latrobe. Obviously, we've got a great season ahead of us, and we're excited about it."

When Wilson suffered a calf injury just before the start of training camp, Fields got significantly more time to play with the first-team offense. This revved up the buzz in the media that Fields might actually eventually be named the starter.

Regardless of the time that Fields spent playing, most analysts agreed that it would not make sense to start Fields, knowing that he might potentially be benched for Wilson. It would damage Fields and his growth and likely offend a veteran who was told from the start that the job was essentially his. Wilson was also asked what exactly he felt that he did to win or earn the starting job.

"I think we all just try to be our best every day. I think every day I step in the building, just try to bring my energy, bring the focus, the detail, the experience of it all too. Then you step between the white lines. You do everything you can to be the best version of you."

Tomlin has also shown the world his confidence in Wilson, including making him the lone captain for the third preseason game. Wilson has always been one of the best deep passers in the NFL. That pairs well with wide receiver George Pickens, one of the most reliable contested catchers in the league. 

Wilson is only on a one-year contract with Pittsburgh and likely feels pressured to redeem himself. He has been clear that he doesn't feel ready to hang up his cleats yet, and this is his chance to show the Steelers and the NFL that he still has gas in the tank. 

Why Is Steelers' Russell Wilson Disliked By The Media?

Wilson has been a polarizing figure in the media since his final seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. This was only compounded by the situation with the Denver Broncos, who labeled him as a toxic prima donna. Recently, Robert Griffin III, former NFL quarterback turned analyst, shared a unique perspective on why he thinks the media treats Wilson so poorly. 

Griffin said that the media expects players like Wilson to behave in a certain way, to be party boys. They assume that Wilson's persona of a family man who is faithful to his wife and engages in charitable acts is fake. But Griffin insists that is not the case. The two quarterbacks were in the same draft class in 2012; Griffin was the second overall selection, and Wilson was chosen in the third round. 

Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Wilson has demonstrated an interest in immersing himself in Yinzer culture. He has been personable and friendly with fans and the majority welcome him with open arms.    

How do you think Wilson will do as the starter? Click to comment below. 

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