Ryan Clark had kind words for Mike Tomlin’s leadership and ability to revitalize Russell Wilson’s career, calling their partnership key to the QB’s resurgence after leaving the Denver Broncos

Former Pittsburgh Steelers star safety and current NFL analyst Ryan Clark praised Mike Tomlin for his part in reviving Russell Wilson’s career, describing the Steelers head coach as a perfect match for the veteran quarterback. Clark shared his insights during his podcast, emphasizing how Tomlin’s leadership style and positivity have been pivotal in helping Wilson rediscover his game.

“To me, Russell Wilson found his Russell Wilson,” Clark said on The Pivot podcast. “Russ mentioned that sometimes people think his positivity is fake. But he’s like, ‘No, I just think positively.’ So does Mike Tomlin. And you come from a place in Denver where you had incompetence the first year in [former head coach] Nathaniel Hackett, and then you had a coach in Sean Payton who didn’t want you there. You weren’t his pick. You didn’t behave in the way he wanted you to behave.”

Clark explained the challenges Wilson faced during his tumultuous tenure with the Broncos. “Sean Payton didn’t have a connection to you, so he mistreats you, beats you down, embarrasses you publicly,” Clark said. “Now, you move to this new place where they’re like, ‘We value you.’ You move to a coach that is more than competent. And on top of being competent, he also embraces who you are. He’s not asking you to change. He’s asking you to become a part of this family.”

Wilson’s unexpected turnaround this season shocked the league and has drawn admiration nearly across the board. Signed by the Steelers on a veteran league-minimum deal after a forgettable two-year stint in Denver, Wilson has silenced critics with his improved play.

This season, the veteran quarterback has thrown for 1,784 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. His performance has been so strong that many NFL analysts and sports personalities, including Bill Simmons, believe he deserves serious consideration for the league’s Comeback Player of the Year award, regardless of whether he fits the traditional criteria.

The Broncos, initially criticized for allowing Wilson to leave while still carrying $39 million in dead money on their books, have also benefited from the fresh start. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading the charge, Denver is on the way to making its first playoff appearance since 2015, signaling a win-win situation for both Wilson and the Broncos.

The Steelers would like to keep both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields ( Image: Getty)

Wilson continues to thrive under Tomlin’s leadership as fourth-year QB Justin Fields looms in the background, waiting for a chance to become the team’s starter. Fields started in six games this year as Wilson dealt with a tight calf injury that kept him sidelined at the start of the year.

“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll take the heat, I’ll shoulder the blame, no problem,” said Tomlin when discussing starting Wilson this season. “The reason I did this, is I knew I had two quarterbacks going into camp that are very capable, but I wanted to see both of them before I made a long-term decision.”