The Pittsburgh Steelers took a big step toward bringing stability back to the quarterback position by bringing in Russell Wilson during the 2024 offseason. After two seasons with the Denver Broncos that never lived up to the hype, Wilson is likely to be the starting quarterback with the Steelers’ 2024 training camp approaching. Ever since Wilson signed with the Steelers, he has made it a point to immerse himself in the city and bond with the fans.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Troy Polamalu, Russell Wilson, Ciara, Brett Keisel, and Damar Hamlin attend a Pittsburgh Penguins game.
Whether it is taking the stage with the Zac Brown at a country concert or having a family day at Kennywood, Wilson has been out and about in Pittsburgh and appearing to love every minute. On Monday’s episode of The Arthur Moats Experience With Deke, one viewer commented about Wilson seeing a group of Steelers fans outside a barbershop while driving down East Carson Street on Friday.
That interaction turned into the quarterback getting a fresh cut while face-timing his wife, Ciara. Former linebacker Arthur Moats loved that and stated that Wilson’s attitude would go a long way, both on and off the field.
“People like that, man. Don’t want Hollywood; they want that. Dudes that aren’t afraid to just pull up, kick it, vibe out, but at the same time, when it’s time to turn on the lights at that field, they got that dog in them.”
Wilson’s approach to his new team and city is a far cry from what was reported during his time with the Broncos. In Pittsburgh, Wilson is a respected veteran who has a key role in steering Arthur Smith‘s new offense during the 2024 season. However, in Denver, he was the savior brought in for a king’s ransom, and that set the bar for his short stint with Sean Payton.
After a truly rocky 2022 that saw Wilson struggle with turnovers (11 interceptions, two lost fumbles), he tallied 26 passing touchdowns to just eight interceptions. While Wilson improved, a leaky offensive line, lack of weapons, and subpar coaching doomed the Broncos to 8-9. With the Broncos picking up Wilson’s exorbitant salary, the former Seattle Seahawks star truly has the chance for a fresh start in Pittsburgh.
Wilson helped the Seahawks make back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, winning the first (Super Bowl XLVIII), but losing the next (Super Bowl XLIX). Seattle boasted the league’s top defense, a bruising running game, and consistent coaching. The 2024 Steelers are surrounding Wilson with everything he had in Seattle that led to championship success in the hopes that he will once again turn in those kinds of results.
Wilson will have George Pickens to throw to, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren establishing the run, and a formidable offensive line protecting him. With rookies Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick joining the intimidating group of Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, and James Daniels, Wilson should have plenty of time to find his weapons. Pittsburgh could turn out to be the place where Wilson can write a better ending than he would have had in Denver, but that is entirely up to him.
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Offensive lineman, Troy Fautanu, during his time with the Washington Huskies in college.
Steelers’ Own Legion Of Boom Knows Their Role
Wilson was backed by one of the top defenses in NFL history in Seattle, with the likes of Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor shutting down opponents in emphatic fashion. In Pittsburgh, he will once again have the support of a defense that has been heavily invested in and is relied upon to carry the weight of the team. With a defensive-minded head coach in Mike Tomlin, Wilson will be in familiar surroundings despite wearing black and gold.
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Edge rusher, TJ Watt, sacks quarterback Tyler Huntley during a Pittsburgh Steelers’ game against the Baltimore Ravens.
TJ Watt is a generational defender who can change a game in an instant, Minkah Fitzpatrick is a destructive force in the secondary, and Joey Porter Jr. is eager to show that his impressive rookie season wasn’t just beginner’s luck. The Steelers have reliable depth throughout the defense, not to mention newcomer and former Baltimore Ravens‘ linebacker Patrick Queen. Unlike in Denver, Wilson can operate with the full confidence that his defense is ready and willing to pick up the slack.